Search - Rameau, Haas :: Nouvelles Suites De Pieces De Clavecin

An entire orchestra in the keyboard

Paul Howe | Maple Shade, NJ United States | 02/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"An impressive recording. The instrument was one built by a contemporary of the composer and the recording is rich and full of presence. As the liner notes to this CD and its predecessor (the first two books of Rameau harpsichord pieces)point out, Rameau's conception of the harpsichord was essentially orchestral, attempting to create a variety of textures and timbres out of the seemingly recalcitrant keyboard. In the hands of this young performer all of the voicings emerge handsomely. The rhythmic approach is often more sombre than the deliciously spry 1980s recordings by Kenneth Gilbert (long out of print), but it would still be a strong contender. As it is, this recording sweeps the field in this repetoire."