Pancrace Royer was historically underestimated; as late as 1982, the Garzantina della Musica defined him more as a 'musical coordinator' than an excellent composer.
Composer Biography
Pancrace Royer (1705-1755), the composer of these harpsichord pieces, concluded his career in 1754 with the prestigious designation of Compositeur de la Chambre du Roi (Composer of the King's Chamber).
Historical Context
The first half of the 18th century saw the triumph of the harpsichord, significantly boosted by the "1685 class" of composers like Bach, Händel, and Scarlatti, alongside French contemporaries Couperin and Rameau.
Instruments
Angelica Selmo performs on a harpsichord built by Alessandro and Michele Leita, which is a replica after Goerman-Taskin instruments from 1764-1783.
Performer Biography
Angelica Selmo, the harpsichordist, won the prestigious National Arts Award in the 'Early Music' category in 2012, organized by the Ministry of Education, University and Research.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Royer's Premier livre de pièces de clavecin (First book of harpsichord pieces) explores the strong interconnection between theater and the harpsichord, with many pieces originating from lyrical and choreographic works.
Compositional Technique
Royer's Premier livre is a heterogeneous collection, with no rational order in the sequence of its pieces, which vary in style and origin.
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Suite in A minor 1706
A. & J.-B. Forqueray: Pièces de clavecin
Handel: Chaconne in G Major for Harpsichord, HWV 435
