| Alan Curtis is a man of many talents. One of today’s outstanding exponents of Handel’s operas, the American conductor and musicologist has also pioneered some of the most significant revivals of the past twenty-five years, the first to edit and bring before the public operas by Jommelli and Cesti, while his recording of Ferrari’s forgotten masterpiece Il Sansone caused a minor sensation. Less familiar is his work as a keyboard player who owns a superb collection of early keyboard instruments. His Goldberg Variations was recorded twenty-five years ago, yet is still rated among the top contenders, and he has recently commenced an integral recording of the Haydn keyboard sonatas. A modest, unassertive but immensely articulate man in his late sixties, Curtis’ energy and questing commitment remain undiminished, as Brian Robins discovered when he went to visit him at his home, part of a large and beautiful villa situated in the tranquil hills above Florence. |
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