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“The Cuckoo and the Nightingale” is a concerto for organ and orchestra composed by Handel in 1739. It is sometimes also known as “Organ Concerto No. 13” in Handel’s catalog of works. This piece is notable for its vivid and charming musical depiction of two birds, the cuckoo and the nightingale, through the use of the organ’s stops and registrations.
Intermediate to advanced organists who have a solid foundation in Baroque repertoire and are accustomed to the nuances of Handel’s style will find Concerto No. 13 a rewarding challenge. The piece demands a nuanced interpretation, where the organist must balance technical prowess with an understanding of the work’s expressive qualities.
