One of the harpsichords used was built in Antwerp in 1628 by Joannes Ruckers, a large transposing model with two keyboards, later adapted for French musical customs.
Performer Biography
Béatrice Martin, one of the harpsichordists on this album, won first prize at the Harpsichord Competition of Bruges in 1998 and teaches at the Juilliard School in New York.
Performer Biography
Olivier Baumont, the other harpsichordist, has a discography of around sixty recordings, including complete works by Rameau and Couperin, and is a professor of harpsichord at the Paris Conservatory.
Compositional Technique
François Couperin's 'Apothéose de Corelli' and 'Apothéose de Lully' can be performed on two harpsichords, with one playing the top part and bass, and the other playing the second part with the same bass.
Instruments
The other harpsichord, signed in 1746 by François-Étienne I Blanchet, is an archetype of a Louis XV Parisian instrument, though it was originally constructed by Johann Conrad Pixius.
Recording & Production
This album marks the first time the two historic harpsichords from the Château de Versailles, displayed in Madame Victoire's Grand Cabinet, have been played and recorded together.
Composer's Artistic Vision
François Couperin, a harpsichordist to the king, believed that the union of French and Italian musical tastes would lead to the perfection of music.
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French Harpsichord Music, Vol. 4
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Journey
Gustav Leonhardt - The Edition
Krebs: Complete Harpsichord Music
Musickè: The Art of Muses, harpsichord music by contemporary female Composers
Varietas
Corrette: Pieces for Vielle or Musette, Flute, and Basso Continuo
