New Releases

[prémont]

June. I have been wishing for a new all-Binchois album!

Yes, me too. There are far too few recordings of Binchois' works.

[Roy Bland]

[Selig]

This instrument was made by Johannes Daniel Dulcken in Antwerp, in 1745. It is a double manual harpsichord with a compass of FF – f3, and a disposition of 2 x 8', 1 x 4'. The harpsichord has a spruce soundboard with a gilt-metal rose, and ebony naturals and ivory accidentals. The name batten is marked:

IOANNES DANIEL DULCKEN ME FECIT ANTVERPIA, AD 1745

The inseparable outer case is made of black painted wood with gold accents. The soundboard is painted with floral decorations. The trestle stand is made of 12 turned spindles painted black with gold accents.

Restored to playing condition in 1960-1961, by William Dowd, this Dulcken harpsichord is currently used in concerts and featured on recordings by the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society.

Samples here: https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/the-joannes-daniel-dulcken-harpsichord-johann-sebastian-bach-goldberg-variations/hnum/12226537

[Que]

Samples here: https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/classic/detail/-/art/the-joannes-daniel-dulcken-harpsichord-johann-sebastian-bach-goldberg-variations/hnum/12226537

I love Flemish harpsichords.    One hour and 40 mins is the longest performance of the Goldbergs I've ever encountered! 

[Selig]

I love Flemish harpsichords.    One hour and 40 mins is the longest performance of the Goldbergs I've ever encountered! 

Forgetting Vartolo?  But yes, that length is making me sceptical

[San Antone]

Interesting how Bach and the performer take a very back seat to the instrument and maker.  Odd, IMO.