Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Elizabeth Farr :: Bach: Music for Lute-Harpsichord

Nice, and...

Sébastien Melmoth | Hôtel d'Alsace, PARIS | 08/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

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Thanks to Dr. Farr, Keith Hill, and Naxos for this fine issue.

Liz Farr is expert with this type of material, and her other recordings for Naxos--(especially the Byrd realizations)--are a great addition to current art and civilization.

Keith Hill is a remarkable craftsman who builds Dr. Farr's instruments. What can one say?--his instruments are astounding.

On this recording, Hill's Bach's replica Lautenwerk (lute-harpsichord) has "two keyboards, two sets of eight-foot gut strings and one set of four-foot brass strings."



Dr. Farr's playing is unquestionably superb.



The result sounds nothing like a lute of any kind; nor a guitar.

It sounds not even like a clavichord.

It sounds like a small harpsichord with a very intimate timbre.

(It also has ever-so-slightly ticking keys--[similar to Glenn Gould's adjusted piano in some recordings].)



Overall, the realizations are wonderful, and it's nice to hear these pieces played with such verve, intensity, and exhilaration. Definitely for enthusiasts.

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Byrd: My Ladye Nevells Booke

Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet De La Guerre: Harpsichord Suites Nos. 1-6

Peter Philips: Harpsichord Works

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Bach: 4 Suites For Lute [Germany]

Bach: Lute Suites (Guitar Arrangement)/ Galbraith

Bach: The Works for Lute in Original Keys and Tunings

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Disappointing

Ronald K. Tacelli | Boston, MA | 11/28/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I am a fan of Elizabeth Farr's. Her fantastic 3-CD set of My Ladye Nevells Booke is the most beautiful version of William Byrd's harpsichord music I know. And her stunning version of Peter Philips' works deserves all the praise it has received. So I was very eager to hear this 2-CD set. And, in fact, there are some lovely moments here--especially on the second disc (and most especially BWV 964 and 990). But there are also some real problems. Ms Farr begins with a disastrous version of BWV 995. From the harsh opening twang, everything seems wrong, entirely misjudged. One of Bach's most majestic achievements comes through as jarring and jumbled--almost all of its dark beauty lost. In an attempt of capture Bach's counterpoint, Ms Farr resorts to hesitations, rhythmic breaks and staggerings that seem to me mannered and distracting. Also distracting are the many mechanical clicks the microphone has picked up from Ms Farr's instrument. All in all a very disappointing recording, one I, sadly, cannot recommend."

Pleasant, and different

paulk | UK | 10/09/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, I agree with 'Riviera Reviewer' above. This is a lovely collection of material which usually finds itself played on lute/guitar. The comparison between lute and the lute-harpsichord is fascinating: whilst lacking just that final bit of individuality and tenderness of the more personal lute sound, this keyboard provides sustained lines and other features less successful on the lute. It is a charming instrument, not as 'abrasive' or 'wearing' as a harpsichord can begin to sound after a while, has much more character than a harpsichord's 'lute' stop, and conjures up an atmosphere all of its own. It is a credit to the maker, Keith Hill, and Elizabeth Farr is an excellent advocate for it, her playing always tasteful in tempi and style."