This recording was made on a copy of a French harpsichord, completed in 1984 by Zygmunt Kaczmarski for Julitta Slendzińska, and features a painting by Caspar David Friedrich on its wing.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The titles of the individual pieces in Balbastre's harpsichord book refer to distinguished Parisian figures, serving as tributes rather than direct musical portraits.
Historical Context
Claude Balbastre served as organist to the future King Louis XVIII and later as harpsichord teacher to Queen Marie-Antoinette, but lost these posts due to the French Revolution.
Composition History
Balbastre's first harpsichord book, published in 1759, is dedicated to Madame de Caze, the wife of a wealthy tax collector and patron of the arts.
Notable Performances
Claude Balbastre's harpsichord playing of Christmas carol variations (noels) at St. Roch's Church attracted such large crowds that the bishop prohibited his playing due to the disruption.
Performer Biography
Marek Toporowski, the harpsichordist on this album, is a prominent figure in the Polish historical performance movement and has made numerous album recordings.
Composer Biography
Claude Balbastre, the composer, moved to Paris in 1750 and became a pupil of the renowned French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau.
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