The harpsichord used for this recording was built in 2011 by Colin Booth, based on a 1710 single-manual harpsichord by Hamburg builder Johann Christoph Fleischer.
Compositional Technique
The 'Echo' movement in Bach's Partita in B minor explores the forte and piano dynamics of a two-manual harpsichord, using the upper manual for softer or contrasting timbres.
Composition History
The French Suites, featured on this album, were composed by J.S. Bach between 1722 and 1725 during his time in Köthen, a period when he focused on secular music.
Interpretation
The performer, Richard Lester, uses a version of Johann Georg Neidhardt's unequal temperament for tuning the harpsichord, believing it gives individual keys more character than equal temperament.
Performer Biography
Richard Lester, the harpsichordist on this album, was chosen by Dame Janet Baker, a renowned mezzo-soprano, as her favorite recording of Scarlatti sonatas on BBC Desert Island Discs in 1982.
Composer Biography
J.S. Bach was jailed for a month in 1717 for daring to resign from his post as Konzertmeister at the ducal court in Weimar.
Composition History
Bach's Inventions and Sinfonias were originally written as exercise material for his son, Wilhelm Friedmann Bach, with the earliest version appearing in 1720.
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