The selection of dance movements for Louis Couperin's pieces on this album is based on the work of harpsichordist and musicologist Alan Curtis, who researched the unmeasured Prelude.
Composition History
Froberger wrote a Lamento, a melancholic and profound piece, on the occasion of the 'very grievous death' of his employer, Emperor Ferdinand III, in 1657.
Compositional Technique
Louis Couperin's unmeasured Preludes, in the style of French lutenists, are notated without rhythmical indications or bar lines, allowing great freedom to the performer.
Composition History
Louis Couperin and Froberger both composed a Tombeau (a musical memorial in the Lamento style) for the lutenist Blancrocher, who reportedly died in Froberger's arms after a fall.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Froberger's musical style is marked by both Italian and French elements, reflecting his extensive travels and acquaintances with leading musicians across Europe.
Instruments
The harpsichord used for this recording is a one-manual instrument built by Martin Skowroneck in 1981, modeled after 18th-century German instruments.
Composer Biography
Johann Jakob Froberger, born in Stuttgart, was appointed court organist in Vienna in 1637 and later studied in Rome with Girolamo Frescobaldi.
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