Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of Jean-Philippe Rameau with the upcoming album "Harpsichord Heaven," set to release on September 8, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label. This captivating collection showcases the timeless genius of Rameau, a master of the Baroque era, alongside works by other luminaries such as Henry Purcell, Johann Sebastian Bach, and George Frideric Handel.
Spanning a generous 2 hours and 11 minutes, "Harpsichord Heaven" is a comprehensive journey through the harpsichord repertoire, featuring a diverse array of pieces that highlight Rameau's virtuosity and innovation. From the intricate "The Mysterious Barricades" to the delicate "Ma bouche rit et mon cueur pleure," each track is a testament to Rameau's enduring legacy.
The album includes a rich tapestry of compositions, such as the elegant "Prelude No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 893," the lively "Gavotte avec 6 Doubles - 6me Double," and the hauntingly beautiful "Da pacem Domine." Each piece is performed with meticulous attention to detail, bringing the music to life with a depth and clarity that is sure to enchant both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
"Harpsichord Heaven" is not just a collection of tracks; it is a celebration of Rameau's contributions to the harpsichord and a tribute to the enduring appeal of Baroque music. Whether you are a fan of classical piano or simply appreciate the beauty of well-crafted music, this album promises to be a delightful addition to your collection. Prepare to be transported to the opulent courts and grand salons of 18th-century Europe, where the harpsichord reigned supreme.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
The Mysterious BarricadesFrançois Couperin, Alan Cuckston
Prelude No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 893Johann Sebastian Bach, Luc Beauséjour
A New Ground in E Minor, Z.T682Henry Purcell, Terence R. Charlston
III. Gigue en rondeau IJean-Philippe Rameau, Gilbert Rowland
I. PreludeÉlisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Elizabeth Farr
Harpsichord Sonata No. 34 in E MajorAntonio Soler, Gilbert Rowland
Mr. Pilkington's Toye (Version for Harpsichord)Lennox Berkeley, Christopher D. Lewis
I. AllegroCarlos Seixas, Débora Halász
AllemandeFerdinando Richardson, Glen Wilson
Gavotte avec 6 Doubles - 6me DoubleJean-Philippe Rameau, Alan Cuckston
VIII. FinaleGottlieb Muffat, Naoko Akutagawa
I. Bransle de BourgogneFrancis Poulenc, Christopher D. Lewis
Prelude & Fugue in A Major, BWV 896Johann Sebastian Bach, Aapo Häkkinen
III. Courante La MignonneLouis Couperin, Laurence Cummings
Harpsichord Sonata No. 90 in F-Sharp MajorAntonio Soler, Gilbert Rowland
VI. PassacailleGeorge Frideric Handel, Alan Cuckston
Badine in A MajorClaude Balbastre, Elizabeth Farr
III. The BellsFrançois Couperin, Alan Cuckston
A Mask: The Fairest NymphOrlando Gibbons, Timothy Roberts
II. La CottinAntoine Forqueray, Luc Beauséjour
V. GigueLouis-Nicolas Clérambault, Le Concert Spirituel Soloists
TambourinJean-Philippe Rameau, Alan Cuckston
No. 8, DécidéLouis Durey, Christopher D. Lewis
Upon la mi reAnonymous, Glen Wilson
Prelude No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 875Johann Sebastian Bach, Luc Beauséjour
Cancion francesaAntonio de Cabezón, Glen Wilson
Ballo della BattagliaBernardo Storace, Naoko Akutagawa
Keyboard Sonata in F Minor, K.463/L.471/P.512Domenico Scarlatti, Glen Wilson
Les SentimensFrançois Couperin, Laurence Cummings
II. Pastorello, tempo giustoGeorg Philipp Telemann, Gaku Nakagawa
Rore - Madrigale, "Anchor che co'l partire" (Libro Terzo, 1596)Andrea Gabrieli, Glen Wilson
III. SarabandeJean-Philippe Rameau, Gilbert Rowland
Contrapunctus 1 a 4Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergio Vartolo, Maddalena Vartolo
Engelse fortuin, SwWV 320, "Von der Fortuna werd ich getrieben" (Fortune My Foe)Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Glen Wilson
III. SarabandeÉlisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Elizabeth Farr
No. 1, Goff's FiresideHerbert Howells, Christopher D. Lewis
Ma bouche rit et mon cueur pleure (Published by P. Attaingnant, Paris, 1531)Jehan Duboys, Glen Wilson
IV. Air & VariationsGeorge Frideric Handel, Alan Cuckston
Round O, Z. 684 "Abdelazer"Henry Purcell, Terence R. Charlston
IV. SicilianaGottlieb Muffat, Naoko Akutagawa
Harpsichord Sonata No. 15 in D MinorAntonio Soler, Gilbert Rowland
Salve virgoMarco Antonio Cavazzoni, Glen Wilson
VI. GigueLouis Couperin, Laurence Cummings
Da pacem DomineGirolamo Parabosco, Glen Wilson
VIII. GavotteJean-Philippe Rameau, Gilbert Rowland
Gigue (2 Versions)Johann Jakob Froberger, Glen Wilson
II. MinuetCarlos Seixas, Débora Halász
Praeludium in C MajorFranz Xaver Richter, Aapo Häkkinen
Ut re mi fa sol la in F Major (Musica Britannica, Vol. 28, No. 58)William Byrd, Glen Wilson