This disc is intended to introduce a collection of keyboard instruments in Edinburgh, Scotland, but actually it accomplishes much more. The instruments featured here were built all over Europe, with the majority from the British Isles or France. They date from between 1586 and 1810, with the first example being an Italian virginal and the final one a fortepiano. Along the way come harpsichords of various kinds, a clavichord, and a small organ. Brief but relevant and engaging histories are given for each instrument. The ...
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This disc is intended to introduce a collection of keyboard instruments in Edinburgh, Scotland, but actually it accomplishes much more. The instruments featured here were built all over Europe, with the majority from the British Isles or France. They date from between 1586 and 1810, with the first example being an Italian virginal and the final one a fortepiano. Along the way come harpsichords of various kinds, a clavichord, and a small organ. Brief but relevant and engaging histories are given for each instrument. The variety of sounds will interest even the listener with only a casual interest in Baroque music, but what's best of all is the presentation of the whole group of musical issues associated with these instruments. Each piece picked (both famous, like Byrd and Handel, and obscure, like Maurice Greene) is appropriate to the instrument involved, and the notes explain the connections well. In several cases, the instrument makes one hear the music in a new way. The authentic tunings bring...
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