This arrangement was made in 1991 while I was performing frequently with flautists Athanasios Kalimeris and William Morton. It was prompted firstly by a love of the piece, secondly by a frustration at the minimal and unmusical nature of most of the continuo realisations in arrangements of the baroque repertoire for flute and guitar. I wanted this version to provide the kind of rich, varied and inventive accompaniment that Handel himself might have improvised.

Clearly the physical constraints of the guitar make this less than straightforward - particularly in the faster music. Nevertheless I think the result is worth the effort, both in arranging and performing. I've found the realisation rewarding and effective in recitals.