Classical Editor: Rob Barnett
 

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Eckard
Sonatas Op. 1/3, 1/4 & 2/1 & Minuet d'Exaudet with 6 Variations
Arthur Schoonderwoerd (fortepiano)
Zig Zag Territoires ZZT 9806 01. 55'12"

Johann Gottfried Eckard (1735-1809) may have been the first composer to indicate nuances of colour in his keyboard music, pieces explicitly designed to be equally suitable for harpsichord, clavichord and the new fortepiano, which he introduced in France, having settled in Paris as a gifted young man, talented alike in painting and in keyboard playing, and undecided which to make his future profession. CPE Bach's keyboard method was a decisive influence, together with the melodic Italianate style celebrated in France around the 1760s when Eckard's Op. 2 sonatas were written. Mozart and his sister played to Eckard in 1763, & the slow movement of Mozart's piano concerto KV40 is based upon Eckard's andantino included here (Sonata Op 1/4). He was a prolific composer and outstanding virtuoso performer, but most of his music disappeared during the French Revolution.

The instrument on this CD is a modern copy by Christopher Clarke of a Legerer fortepiano belonging to the Finchcocks collection in Kent. Its light Stein action favours delicate articulation, demonstrated in these sympathetic performances. The programme reflects the range of Eckard's surviving keyboard music, and its unquestionable suitability for the clavichord as well as fortepiano (less so perhaps for harpsichord). Schoonderwoerd ornaments the repeats and demonstrates the fortepiano's stops.

This production was thoroughly researched by the pianist and there is detailed information about composer and instrument. As with all Zig Zag releases, the booklets are illustrated and have charming original paintings by Anne Peultier, which give considerable pleasure.

Reviewer

Peter Grahame Woolf

 


Reviewer

Peter Grahame Woolf


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