Many eminent 20th-century composers have been fascinated by the expressive capabilities of the harpsichord, and this selection unites the instrument’s traditional idioms with progressive and highly personal sensibilities. Sir Lennox Berkley’s music evinces a distinctive French influence, while Howell’s Clavichord is a series of musical portraits of the composer’s distinguished friends. Gavin Bryars has deep roots in the avant-garde, but After Handel’s “Vesper” is virtuosic yet expressive, while John Jeffreys’ Four Little English Dances are delightful tributes to the harpsichord’s lyricism. Christopher D. Lewis’s other Naxos harpsichord recordings of French music and works by Philip Glass are available on 8.573364 and 8.573146.
Tracklist
Artist details
Berkeley, Lennox
Mr Pilkington's Toye (version for harpsichord)
1 Mr Pilkington's Toye (version for harpsichord) 02:03
For Vere (version for harpsichord)
2 For Vere (version for harpsichord) 01:26
Howells, Herbert
Howells' Clavichord (version for harpsichord) (excerpts)
3 No. 1. Goff's Fireside 03:11
4 No. 2. Patrick's Siciliano 03:53
5 No. 3. Jacob's Brawl 02:28
6 No. 4. Dart's Sarabande 02:49
7 No. 6. Andrew's Air 03:27
8 No. 7. Boult's Brangill 02:40
9 No. 10. Dyson's Delight 03:24
10 No. 12. Ralph's Pavane 04:56
11 No. 13. Ralph's Galliard 03:14
12 No. 14. Finzi's Rest 05:01
13 No. 16. Malcolm's Vision 05:29
14 No. 18. Julian's Dream 05:17
15 No. 20. Walton's Toye 02:58
Bryars, Gavin
After Handel's Vesper
16 After Handel's Vesper 10:15
Jeffreys, John
4 Little English Dances
17 No. 1. Poco allegro 01:14
18 No. 2. Andantino 01:50
19 No. 3. Poco andantino 00:47
20 No. 4. Allegro ma non troppo 01:23
Howells, Herbert
Howells' Clavichord: No. 1. Goff's Fireside (performance on virginal)
21 Howells' Clavichord: No. 1. Goff's Fireside (performance on virginal) 03:34
Total Playing Time: 01:11:19
