Handel vs Scarlatti: Harpsichord Battle - Passacaglia in G minor

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Step back in time to the musical clash between two harpsichord virtuosos, George Frederic Handel and Domenico Scarlatti! In the year 1709, both maestros, born in 1685, faced off in a musical showdown in a palace in Rome. Who won remains a mistery, but rumors say some preferred Scarlatti's performance. However, Handel did win on the organ, leaving Scarlatti in awe of his skill.

In this video, we bring to life the timeless rivalry through Handel's "Passacaglia in G minor," the last piece from his harpsichord suite No. 7 (HWV 432). This presentation is inspired by a scene from the film "God Rot Tunbridge Wells," where the same duel is portrayed.

Also watch part II: https://youtu.be/WD2MqPtwSms

Scarlatti (in the black costume): Mees Torn
Handel (in the blue costume): Luuk Torn
Camera: Marijn Valk

The video was recorded in the workshop of Bom Harpsichords in Schoonhoven (Netherlands) www.bomharpsichords.com

Harpsichords:
Double manual German after Mietke and a single manual Italian after Giusti, both built by Hans Nieuwenhuijzen.

© Luuk Torn & Mees Torn