Somewhat overshadowed by Bach’s suites, Handel’s eight Suites de Pièces pour le Clavecin, published in 1720, have largely eluded today’s pianists. Possibly written for his pupil Princess Anne, they were intended for domestic use, though Handel reworked some ideas into his chamber, orchestral and operatic music. German, French, English and Italian influence reveal a cosmopolitan composer and his music is remarkable for its freshness and spontaneity. A formidable improviser, many compositions undo...