The harpsichord used in this recording, made by Ioannes Ruckers II in 1624, recently celebrated its 400th birthday and is still playable with exceptional sound quality.
Performer Biography
Tatjana Vorobjova, the harpsichordist, fulfilled a long-held dream by playing the original 400-year-old Colmar Ruckers harpsichord for this recording, after making three previous recordings on her own copy of the instrument.
Instruments
The Ruckers harpsichord on this album underwent a major 'ravalement' (rebuilding) in France after more than five decades, extending its range and coupling its manuals, almost transforming it into a French instrument.
Interpretation
The repertoire for this album was chosen to deeply immerse the listener in the melancholic and poetic sound world of the Ruckers harpsichord, showcasing its versatile range and expressive possibilities.
Recording & Production
MDG, the record label, produces all its recordings in natural acoustics of concert halls, refraining from sound-modifying manipulations like artificial reverberation or filters, to achieve genuine reproduction.
Recording & Production
This recording was made possible by the care and preservation of the Ruckers harpsichord by British harpsichord maker Christopher Clarke.
Instruments
Ruckers harpsichords were renowned for their high quality and full, brilliant sound, making them highly valued across Europe and even serving as status symbols.
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Famous Works for Harpsichord
Bach: The Six French Suites, Little Preludes
Johann Sebastian Bach: Italian Concerto / Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, BWV 903 / Overture (Partita) in the French Style, BWV 831 [Pischner]
The Couperin Family
Harpsichord Music from the Reign of Louis XIV
Harpsichord Recital: Markl, Markus - Couperin, F. / Marchand, L. / D'Anglebert, J.H. / Bach, J.S.
