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)