The harpsichord used for this recording is a very close copy of a 1681 instrument by M. Vaudry from Paris, built by Matthias Griewisch in 2020.
Interpretation
The performer, Andreas Gilger, aims to recreate the emotional connection between artist and audience by making the audience feel emotions, rather than just talking about them.
Historical Context
In the 17th century, passions were believed to be triggered by 'animal spirits' within the body, which, when stirred by external stimuli, caused physical reactions.
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Dessiner les passions" (Drawing the Passions), refers to Charles le Brun's posthumously published book, which provided definitions and illustrations of different passions.
Recording & Production
The recording took place in the Goldener Salon of Schloss Oettingen, Bavaria, a Baroque palace built between 1679 and 1686, chosen for its historical authenticity.
Interpretation
The album's interpretation is based on the 17th-century understanding of rhetoric, where art was seen as a way of 'persuading' the audience's 'animal spirits' to behave in a certain way.
Performer Biography
Andreas Gilger, the harpsichordist, studied at Folkwang University of the Arts and Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, and has performed globally with notable ensembles and conductors.
