Immerse yourself in the intricate and elegant world of Jean-Philippe Rameau with "Harpsichord Heaven," a meticulously crafted album set to release on September 8, 2025, under Naxos Special Projects. This collection of 52 tracks, spanning a generous 2 hours and 11 minutes, is a testament to Rameau's mastery of the harpsichord, offering a rich tapestry of Baroque compositions that showcase his unparalleled skill and innovation.
Jean-Philippe Rameau, a French Baroque composer and music theorist, is renowned for his significant contributions to French music. His works, characterized by their complexity and beauty, have left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. "Harpsichord Heaven" is a celebration of Rameau's genius, featuring a diverse array of pieces that highlight his versatility and artistic brilliance.
The album begins with "The Mysterious Barricades" and takes you on a journey through a variety of compositions, including preludes, sonatas, and dances, each piece meticulously performed to capture the essence of Rameau's music. Notable tracks include "Prelude No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 893," "Harpsichord Sonata No. 34 in E Major," and "Prelude & Fugue in A Major, BWV 896," each offering a unique glimpse into Rameau's compositional style.
"Harpsichord Heaven" is not just a collection of tracks; it is an exploration of Rameau's musical legacy. The album's diverse selection of pieces, ranging from the lively "Gavotte avec 6 Doubles - 6me Double" to the contemplative "Prelude No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 875," showcases Rameau's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and moods. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating introduction to the timeless beauty of Rameau's harpsichord works.
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