Purcell's three-part sonatas demonstrate his admiration for Italian masters, as he stated in his 1683 collection 'Sonnata's of III. Parts' that he 'faithfully endeavour'd a just imitation the most fam'd Italian masters'.
Compositional Technique
The Passacaglia from Lully's opera Armide, arranged by Jean Henry d'Anglebert for harpsichord, translates the five-part orchestral sound into richly ornamented chords and delicate treble passages.
Composer Biography
Henry Purcell (1659-1695) was initially a keyboard musician, entrusted with maintaining court instruments and tuning the Westminster Abbey organ at age 14.
Composition History
In 1696, a year after Henry Purcell's death, A Choice Collection of Lessons for the Harpsichord or Spinnet was published in London, marking the first English publication dedicated to a single composer's harpsichord works.
Instruments
The harpsichord used for this recording is a 2005 copy by Émile Jobin of a 1691 instrument by Vincent Tibaut of Toulouse, preserved in its original state in the Musée de la Musique, Paris.
Instruments
The harpsichord used for this recording combines Italian inspiration for its case, with Flemish and Parisian influence in the string and soundboard design.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Purcell's harpsichord music, much like that of Chambonnières and Louis Couperin, features a lute-style texture with numerous arpeggios and ornaments, reflecting French influence.
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