How Fast IS that Blacksmith Hammering?

[gkatele]

I am close to finishing up my adventure into the Handel Keyboard Suite in E - "The Harmonious Blacksmith." It's been an adventure!

I have questions about tempo and interpretation of some of the movements.

The Prelude:
I've heard Richter's almost-military interpretation, and, at the other extreme, Perahia's singing lyrical version. De Larrocha is inbetween. What's correct?

The Courente:
Richter again maintains a strict rhythm with emphasis on clarity. Perahia is devilishly fast - and although one get the sense of harmonic progression, some of the details are, at least to me, lost. Once again, De Larrocha is in between.

Can someone who knows more than I about this work (and that would be just about all of you  offer me some advice?

Thanks,


George