The Pleasures of the Imagination: English 18th Century Music for the Harpsichord

Featuring

Sophie Yates
John Blow
Jeremiah Clarke
William Croft
Maurice Greene
Richard Jones

Thomas Augustine Arne
Johann Christian Bach

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Composer Biography

Johann Christian Bach, sometimes known as the London Bach, was a leading figure in establishing the first public subscription concerts in London.

Composer Biography

John Blow, a composer featured on this album, was the teacher of Henry Purcell, a significant figure whose legacy dominated the beginning of the 18th century in English music.

Composer Biography

Thomas Arne, a composer on this album, was Catholic, which prevented him from competing for positions in the established church, but he achieved commercial success in theatre and opera.

Composer Biography

Jeremiah Clarke, another composer on this album, was driven to suicide by unrequited love, famously deciding the method of his demise on the toss of a coin.

Instruments

Two different double manual harpsichords, both copies by Andrew Garlick, were used for this recording: one after a 1681 Vaudry and another after a 1748 Jean-Claude Goujon.

Composer's Artistic Vision

This album explores the work of English composers who shaped London's musical scene in the 18th century, a time when it was considered the most vibrant city in Europe.

Historical Context

The late 18th century saw increased public access to music through Pleasure Gardens like Ranelagh and Vauxhall, and new public subscription concerts, catering to a burgeoning middle-class audience.