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COUPERIN: Harpsichord Works.   Liesbeth Hoppen: Pleyel Harpsichord. Arsis Classics 97013 68m DDD.


 

This delightful collection reveals a singular joy in the various sonic capabilities of the Pleyel Harpsichord, a choice instrument that can also double as a small chamber organ and piano. Couperin's works are wonderfully varied and inventive, here we are presented with three short groups of compositions, none lasting over five minutes except the gigantic concluding 'L'Amphibie', a singularly masterful composition of hallowed invention. I listened to the whole disc in a straight run-through on a wet Friday afternoon and the experience is not easily forgotten! The soft sounds of Liesbeth Hoppen's delicate playing touched my heart with spiritual intensity and I was more than once transported to some drawing room in Versailles with Louis XIV in attendance! All twenty-one pieces have something special about them; indeed they are not far off Bach for inspiration and technical bravura. Couperin evidently knew his harpsichord much better than many and was able to produce some marvelously outstanding sounds from the instrument. As mooted earlier I found little to fault in Hoppen's playing, her deft fingerwork brushes aside all technical difficulties while her wonderful playing is akin to the great women harpsichordists such as the legendary Wanda Landowska. It would be hard to recommend any particular piece above others although the wonderful 'Les Tours de Passe-passe' had me almost gasping for breath. Artis' clear recording lends majesty and bloom to the harpsichord and the intimate acoustic seems just right although the sound does get occasionally muddled at the end of the disc. Presentation is a bit on the dull side but otherwise, a lovely disc and one that will be making continuous visits to my CD player especially on the radio*.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

(* Gerald broadcasts on Classical Music in Malta - LM)

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


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