Gustav Leonhardt, a pioneer in the early music movement, invites you to explore the rich tapestry of French Baroque keyboard music with this captivating album. Recorded in 2022, this collection features Leonhardt's masterful performances on both the harpsichord and the organ, showcasing his deep understanding and reverence for the music of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The album opens with a piece from François Couperin's Messe à l'usage ordinaire des paroisses, performed on one of the finest Dutch organs, followed by a series of preludes from Couperin's L'art de toucher le clavecin. These pieces offer a glimpse into the composer's innovative approach to harpsichord playing, with Leonhardt's nuanced interpretations bringing each prelude to life.
The album also features works by other notable French Baroque composers, including Bernardo Poglietti, Nicolas de Grigny, and Jean-Philippe Rameau. Poglietti's Ricercar primi toni and De Grigny's Cromorne en taille à deux parties are performed with a sense of grandeur and reverence, while Rameau's suites for harpsichord are imbued with a sense of elegance and refinement.
Leonhardt's performances are marked by a deep respect for the original compositions, with a focus on authentic performance practices. His use of historical instruments and techniques brings a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the music, allowing the listener to experience it as it might have been heard in its original context.
The album is a testament to Leonhardt's lifelong dedication to the music of the Baroque period, and his ability to bring it to life in a way that is both historically accurate and musically compelling. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Vinylscout