BACH and the French Clavecinists.
GASPARD DE LA ROUX Pieces in F from Pieces de Clavecin
1705
LOUIS MARCHAND Pieces in D minor from Pieces de Clavecin
1669
J. S. BACH Suite in A minor with
Prelude (English Suite no.
2)
Andrew Appel
(harpsichord)
ASV Quicksilva CDQS 6247
(DDD)
(63.43)
Crotchet
This is a very interesting disc but, perhaps, for the wrong reasons.
Its interest is in its historical music and some excellent playing from Andrew
Appel which I thoroughly enjoyed. His playing of this music is exciting which,
when you consider must of the music is sedate, is a seeming paradox. He has
great energy and verve and avoids all the fussiness that one sadly associates
with early music. I really do like his style and that is some accolade when
I have to admit that this music is not that interesting.
Modem music is severely criticised for being too much the same. That can
be said of early music although I have to say it is more rewarding to play
that listen to. The music is all much of a muchness and the only piece in
this collection of 23 pieces that stands out as really noteworthy is the
second Bouree in the Bach.
This is music of a mannered culture. It lacks spontaneity and the composers
are trammelled by fashion. Even if you have not heard these pieces before
there is a real sense of deja vu.
Nonetheless, my sincere compliments to ASV and to a very fine harpsichordist
but can we hear him in some more worthwhile and durable music.. ..please?
David Wright
Performances
Recording
