Hässler's keyboard music can be divided into two periods: German publications from 1776-1790 and later revisions and republications in Russia after he moved there in 1792.
Performer Biography
Michele Benuzzi, the performer, won third prize at the 17th Yamanashi International Harpsichord Competition in Japan in 2003.
Compositional Technique
Hässler progressively abandoned baroque elements to develop a more modern style, incorporating both the sensitive language and a classical aesthetic.
Interpretation
Performer Michele Benuzzi uses four different historical keyboard instruments on this album—harpsichord, Silbermann piano, clavichord, and Broadwood square piano—to highlight the multifaceted nature of Hässler's music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Hässler's style blends the Empfindsamkeit (sensitive style) of W.F. Bach and C.Ph.E. Bach with the heritage of J.S. Bach, creating a complex musical language.
Composer Biography
Johann Wilhelm Hässler (1747-1822) was born in a transitional period, 37 years after W.F. Bach and 23 years before Beethoven.
Instruments
The album features a 1798 Broadwood square piano, restored by Damiani e Bezza, which was a very widespread instrument at the end of the eighteenth century.
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