Eloquent and technically impeccable, harpsichordist Matthew Dirst’s new recording of J.S. Bach’s ‘The Well-Tempered Clavier’ (Book 1) comes highly recommended. His readings are full of sentiment but avoid sentimentality, capturing the music’s dignity and pathos.
Well-Tempered Bach from Matthew Dirst Read More »
Ensemble Peregrina has long researched and performed music away from the Medieval and Renaissance mainstream, from the periphery in geography and attitude. Their latest recording explores the earliest known setting of the biblical Song of Songs, with exceptional musicianship and an exciting, surprising, sense of character.
The Earliest Song of Solomon Settings Read More »
He collects, restores, and performs on historical keyboard instruments. He also lends them out for practice and concerts. In a personal essay, Charles Metz walks us through his Los Angeles home and its museum-worthy keyboard collection.
Home is Where the Keyboards Are Read More »
Jean-Joseph Mouret’s comic ‘Les fêtes de Thalie,’ an opera-ballet, was a hit in early 18th-c. Paris. Now the period-instrument Opera Lafayette, conducted by Christophe Rousset, is set to give its modern premiere, with a production that’s contemporary (and maybe a little zany) in look and choreography.
A Modern Mouret from Opera Lafayette Read More »
Brooklyn-based Alkemie’s latest recording, devoted to music from the 13th-century trouvères of Northern France, draws as much on contemporary folk and Celtic styles as Medieval historical performance practice. At turns extravagant or yearning, this is music of celebratory zeal as well as poetic musing.
Trouvère Songs of Love and Loss Read More »
