A contemporary of J.S. Bach and Telemann, Johann Christoph Graupner was held in great esteem during his lifetime both as a prolific composer of large vocal and orchestral works and virtuoso harpsichordist, although he is now largely forgotten. With their considerable requirements of virtuosity Graupner’s harpsichord suites surpass Handel’s in grandeur of conception, and sometimes even match the younger man in musical substance. His immense and flamboyant Chaconne in A major is perhaps the most superb of all the many keyboard works of the genre.