The album title, Gradus ad Parnassum, refers to Johann Joseph Fux's famous counterpoint treatise, which inspired the program's themes of exercise and constraint.
Interpretation
The performer believes that playing works from the past always involves a form of transcription or transposition, affecting time, context, colors, and smells.
Historical Context
Johann Joseph Fux's treatise, Gradus ad Parnassum, had an immense impact on composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, serving as a 'bedside bible' for them.
Album & Artwork
The program's chronological curve, from Palestrina to Debussy, is designed to follow an architectural concept, like an arch.
Interpretation
The performer chose to play pieces originally written for piano on the harpsichord, viewing it as an instrumental transcription and a way to explore the instrument's expressive strengths.
Recording & Production
The album was recorded in October 2021 at the Salle de Musique de La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.
Instruments
The album features a harpsichord built by Jonte Knif & Arno Pelto in 2006, modeled after German instruments.
You might also enjoy...
Bach's Teacher Böhm & Improvisation
Couperin: Complete Works for Harpsichord
Bach: The Toccatas for Harpsichord, BWV 910-916
Byrd: Harpsichord Music (Alpha Collection)
Mozart, WF Bach, Couperin & Soler: Music for 2 Harpsichords
Bach: Fantasy
Frescobaldi & Couperin
Handel: Complete Preludes & Toccatas from the Bergamo Manuscript
A Tribute to Gustav Leonhardt, The Last Recordings
Gaultier: Pieces pour le luth ou le clavessin mises en musique par le sr. Perrine
