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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Couperin - Ordres for Harpsichord
Violaine Cochard (harpsichord) François Couperin’s Pièces de Clavecin comprise 240 works divided into twenty-seven ordres (another name for the suite of dances). Published in four books from 1713 to 1730, they are the quintessence of his art. These four books are also the work of a musician who had reached his maturity. In 1713, the date of publication of the first of them, François was forty-five years old. He had retained the title of maître de clavecin, but the position entailed few obligations. His royal pupils had grown up or died. Since 1694, the date of his appointment as maître de clavecin des Enfants de France, he had written dozens of pieces graded by technical difficulty. These were intended for the Dauphin, the Duke of Burgundy, Mademoiselle de Nantes, Mademoiselle de Blois, and Louis Alexandre de Bourbon, the son of Madame de Montespan. His fame had led to fraudulent copies of his works. This was one of the reasons François chose to supervise their publication himself. The first book of 1713 still refers to it in its nomenclature: the allemande, the courante, the sarabande, the gavotte, the minuet, the rigaudon. The chosen mode, major or minor, gives the succession of movements its unity. The suite often closes with a chaconne, a passacaille, or a tombeau, a form reserved for musical glorification of or deferential homage to a deceased personage. Born in Angers in 1973, Violaine Cochard began studying the harpsichord with Françoise Marmin at the conservatoire there. In 1991 she was awarded a Premier Prix in the instrument, and the same year entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musiquen, Paris in the classes of Kenneth Gilbert and Christophe Rousset. She is a founder member of the award-winning ensemble Amarillis, and devotes much of her time to performing chamber music with Il Seminario Musicale. | 
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| |  | Versailles - 200 Years of Music
In October 2007 the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles celebrated its 20th anniversary. To mark this occasion they have released this astounding box set of 20 CD’s featuring numerous musical highlights from a series of concerts given at The Palace of Versailles, together with highlights from recordings from the past 20 years. The music spans the period of the reigns of Louis XIII to Louis XVI including symphonies, opera arias, masses, motets, sonatas, concertos and ballet music, from the pens of Boesset, Lully, Charpentier, Marais, Couperin, Lalande, Rameau, Mondonville, Campra, Gretry, Philidor and more. There are even some premiere recordings! Having already received unanimous critical and public acclaim throughout France and in other European countries this amazing release is now available to the UK market. It includes a free CD-ROM and a booklet with extensive notes in English and French. Major Works: Blamont: | Égine Virginie Pochon, Caroline Mutel, Jean-Sébastien Bou, Arnaud Marzorati Les Nouveaux Caractères, Sébastien d’Hérin (clavecin et direction) | Brossard: | In convertendo Choeur de Chambre Accentus, Ensemble Baroque de Limoges, Christophe Coin | Cambini: | String Quartet in G minor Quatuor Cambini | Campra: | Confi tebor tibi domine Le Parnasse Français, Louis Castelain | Charpentier, M-A: | Messe des morts à quatre voix (H10) Collegium vocale de Gand, Ricercar Consort, Philippe Pierlot Litanies de la Vierge, H83 Ensemble Jacques Moderne, Joël Suhubiette Miserere Ensemble Jacques Moderne, Joël Suhubiette Médée: extracts Le Concert Spirituel, Alice Piérot | Couperin, F: | Troisieme lecon de Tenebres pour le Mercredy Saint Patricia Petitbon, Sophie Daneman Les Arts Florissants, William Christie Concert No. 1 (Concert Royal) in G major Les Folies françoises, Patrick Cohën-Akenine, violon et direction artistique Concert No. 2 (Concert Royal) in D major Les Folies françoises, Patrick Cohën-Akenine, violon et direction artistique | Desmarest: | Usquequo Domine Les Arts Florissants, William Christie De Profundis (Psalm 129) Le Concert Spirituel, Hervé Niquet | Destouches: | Callirhoé (excerpts) Le Concert Spirituel, Alice Piérot | Devienne: | Flute Quartet in A minor, Op. 66 No. 1 Alexis Kossenko (flute) Quatuor Cambini | Giroust: | Benedic anima mea Jean-Claude Malgoire, direction | Gossec: | Terribilis est Jean-Claude Malgoire, direction | Jadin, H: | Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 5 No. 2 Andreas Staier | Lalande: | Les Folies de Cardenio (extracts) Ensemble Baroque de Limoges, Christophe Coin | Le Duc: | Symphony in E flat major Le Cercle de l'Harmonie, Jérémie Rhorer | Lully: | Miserere Olivier Schneebeli Isis (excerpts) Musica Florea, Olivier Schneebeli Amadis (extracts) Véronique Gens Musica Florea, Olivier Schneebeli | Lully Fils: | Concert donné au souper du Roy Musica Florea, Marek Štryncl | Mondonville: | Sonate en symphonie, Op. 3 No. 4 Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski Sonate en symphonie, Op. 3 No. 6 Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski Nisi Dominus Le Parnasse Français, Louis Castelain Dominus Regnavit Les Arts Florissants, William Christie | Mont: | Exultat animus Collegium vocale de Gand, Ricercar Consort, Philippe Pierlot Magnificat Collegium vocale de Gand, Ricercar Consort, Philippe Pierlot | Mozart: | Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K310 Andreas Staier 9 variations in C major on a theme by Nicolas Dezede ‘Lison dormait' K264 Andreas Staier | Piccinni: | Didon Roberta Invernizzi (Soprano) Cappella della Pietà de’ Turchini Didone abbandonata Roberta Invernizzi (Soprano) Cappella della Pietà de’ Turchini | Rameau: | In Convertendo Les Arts Florissants, William Christie Hippolyte et Aricie (Extracts) Véronique Gens, Jean-Paul Fouchécourt, Bernarda Fink, Russell Smythe Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski | Rebel, F: | Zélindor, roi des Sylphes (joint project composed with François Francoeur (1698-1787)) Bénédicte Tauran, Mathias Vidal, Arnaud Richard, Aurore Bucher Ausonia, Frédérick Haas et Mira Glodeanu, direction artistique | Rigel: | The departure from Egypt Olivier Schneebeli, direction Symphony in D minor, Op. 21 No. 2 Le Cercle de l'Harmonie, Jérémie Rhorer | Sacchini: | Oedipe à Colone Roberta Invernizzi (Soprano) Cappella della Pietà de’ Turchini | Vachon: | String Quartet in F minor, Op. 5 No. 3 Quatuor Cambini |
Also Includes: Olivier Latry playing organ Works by Nicolas Séjean (1745-1819); Guillaume Lasceux (1740-1831); Claude-Bénigne Balbastre (1727-1799); Michel Corrette (1707-1795); Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772) Early Romantic French Opera Arias by Antonio Sacchini (1730-1786); Rodolphe Kreutzer (1766-1831); Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny (1729-1817); Jean-François Lesueur (1760-1837); François-Joseph Gossec (1734-1829); François-André Danican Philidor (1726-1795) and André Ernest Modeste Grétry (1741-1813) sung by Pierre-Yves Pruvot (Baritone) and Isabelle Poulenard (Soprano) Court Music from the time of Louis XIII including works by Jacques Champion de Chambonnières (ca 1607-1672); Antoine Boesset (1587-1643); François Richard (ca 1600-1650); Jean Lacquemant, dit Dubuisson (ca 1622-ca 1680); Ennemond Gaultier, dit « le vieux Gaultier » (1575-1651); François de Chancy (ca 1600-1656); Étienne Moulinié (1599-1676) and Michel Lambert (1610-1696) performed by Il Seminario Musicale under Gérard Lesne Early Salon Music by Antoine Boesset (1587-1643) and Robert Ballard (ca1520-1588) perfomed by Monique Zanetti (soprano) and Claire Antonini (lute)
“Music fit for kings - The Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles – set up by the French Gaovernment to research and perform French music from the years between 1600 and 1800 – have gathered together 20 CDs
worth of alluring material, most of it from live recordings made last autumn by Radio France at concerts in various rooms of the Versailles palace…..for anyone who loves French Baroque and Classical music, this box is
a cast-iron must have.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2008 “A monumental achievement, this is essential listening - not just for classical fans, but for anyone who cares remotely for French culture.” The Guardian, 8th August 2008 ***** “Almost all the performances are good, and many of them are first-rate. For anyone who loves French Baroque and Classical music, this box is a cast-iron must have.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2008 “…this handsome jubilee collection demonstrates the dazzling range of musical genres and styles that resonated throughout the palace of Versailles during two centuries of Bourbon rule. …enjoy the spontaneity of concert performances rather than polished studio recordings.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2008 ***** “For 20 years, the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles has been unearthing and reviving the splendid legacy of operas, symphonies, motets and sonatas that were heard at the great palace over 200 years. That
achievement is recognised in this sumptuous set, recorded by three generations of interpreters including William Christie, Christophe Rousset and Louis Castelain…..A bargain at £3 a disc.” The Observer, 17th August 2008 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Trumpet Masque
Jonathan Freeman-Attwood (trumpet), Daniel-Ben Pienaar (piano) “Trumpet Masque” sees renowned trumpeter Jonathan Freeman-Attwood explore his passion for expanding the instrument’s limited chamber repertoire by imaginatively arranging Baroque works previously scored for alternative forces.
In “Trumpet Masque”, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood and Daniel-Ben Pienaar take a radical new look at the 17th century with a compelling vision of repertoire historically far-removed from the traditional contexts of both trumpet and piano.
Through wonderfully vibrant programming and arrangements, this invigorating and warm-hearted chamber duo present music from Dowland to Purcell in an energetic, innovative and 21st century fashion.
The aim of this recording is to open our ears to a period of unequalled variety, colour, regional diversity and expressive freedom: the Venetian world of Gabrieli, the great pre-Bach North German lineage of Buxtehude, Jacobean dances and songs and the great G major sonata from Muffat’s ‘Armonico Tributo’ with its virtuoso and valedictory passacaglia, which appropriately ends the disc. “Jonathan Freeman-Attwood's playing is notable for the beauty and freedom of line of his lyrical phrasing, while the bravura is exhilarating. Daniel-Ben Pienaar's accompaniments are boldly supportive and well in the picture.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2008 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Couperin - Works for Harpsichord - Volume 1
Couperin, F: | Les Vieux Seigneurs (24e ordre, 4e livre, 1730) La Princesse de Chabeuil, ou la muse de Monaco (15e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) L’évaporée (15e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) La Flore (5e ordre, 1er livre, 1713) Menuet (5e ordre, 1er livre, 1713) L’Amphibie (24e ordre, 4e livre, 1730) Les Fauvettes Plaintives (14e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) L’Artiste (19e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) La Linotte effarouchée (14e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) Le Carillon de Cithère (14e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) L’Allégresse des vainqueurs (10e ordre, 2e livre, 1717) Sixième Prélude (l’Art de toucher le clavecin, 1716) Saillie (27e ordre, 4e livre, 1730) Les Folies Françaises, ou les Dominos (13e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) Les Roseaux (13e ordre, 3e livre, 1722) Huitième Prélude (l’Art de Toucher le Clavecin, 1716) La Petite Pince-sans-rire (21e ordre, 4e livre, 1730) L’Anguille (22e ordre, 4e livre, 1730) Menuets croisés (22e ordre, 4e livre, 1730) Les Tours de passe-passe (22e ordre, 4e livre, 1730) |
Pierre Hantaï (harpsichord) Born in 1964 the French harpsichordist, Pierre Hantaï, gave his first
concerts at an early age, alone or with his brothers Marc and
Jérôme. He then spent two years studying in Amsterdam with
Gustav Leonhardt, who subsequently invited him to perform under
his direction. In 1983 Hantaï scored his first major triumph through
taking first prize at the International Bach-Handel Competition of
Bruges in Belgium; since then, Hantaï has collected an impressive number of honours and awards. “…the selection provides variety and an opportunity to really hear the full range of the instrument. Some may find some of the pointing in the moderately paced pieces a little precious, but these are for the most part persuasive and winning performances.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2008 **** | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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Markku Luolajan-Mikkola (bass viol), Mikko Perkola (bass viol) & Aapo Häkkinen (harpsichord) The music on this CD was composed for the private enjoyment of the French court.
During the early 18th century the institution of public concerts had not yet been born and most musicians worked in close symbiosis and interaction with their noble or ecclesiastical patrons. The problematic aspects of this symbiosis have been emphasized often enough. The patrons may have been unreliable employers and stingy with their funds. Their understanding of music may have been limited and they may have been aesthetic philistines. In such circumstances a musician probably had to fight an up-hill battle against the exigencies of his situation. There is, however, another side to the coin. Not all royal patrons were musical ignoramuses. The musician may have enjoyed a respected position at court. Certainly this was the case with Lully, who virtually became the musical dictator of France during his tenure as the musical director at Louis’ court. We also know that the economic circumstances of Couperin were very comfortable and that he became quite a wealthy man in the service of his king. “Markku Luolajan-Mikkola plays with enormous reverence and attention to detail. Yet some listeners will find these performances lacking in panache.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2008 | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Orphee - Cantates Francaises
Cyril Auvity (tenor) Yriade | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | listen: | | Couperin, F: Les barricades mystérieuses |  |
| Couperin - Tic Toc Choc & other pieces
Alexandre Tharaud (piano) "I wanted to focus this programme on the idea of play. Centring on Le Tic-Toc-Choc, which I often use as an
encore, I gathered together Couperin's most 'pianistic' pieces, underlining the playful aspect… I have a
particularly soft spot for Duphly's La Pothoïn, which for me is one of the loveliest pieces ever composed for
keyboard. I think this music, written later than Couperin's, provides an ideal link between the harpsichord
and the arrival of the fortepiano, which Duphly couldn't bring himself to adopt. All through these sessions,
shut up in the immense hall at IRCAM, I thought of a number of artists who have long been part of my life
and a source of inspiration for me, that whole family of pianists who handed this repertoire down to us:
Louis Diémer, Marcelle Meyer, Robert Casadesus, Emil Gilels,Yvonne Lefébure, Pierre Barbizet . .They were
omnipresent in my mind.This recording is my tribute to them." Alexandre Tharaud “…while Tharaud's ornamentation is impeccable and the piano well recorded, the collection as a whole is disappointingly monochrome.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007 “If you doubt that a concert grand can be as sparkling as a harpsichord listen to Akexandre Tharaud and his selection of 20 Couperin jewels. Try his way with Le Carillon de Clithére and you will never want to hear a
harpsichord again. Sleek presentation, clever sleeve notes and high-end sound make this the most beautifully packaged of all the collected releases here.” Pianist Magazine, June-July 2007 “a release which successfully recognises and celebrates Couperin's genius, and you cannot ask for much more than that” Gramophone Magazine | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | Leclair - Violin Sonatas
Simon Standage (violin), Nicholas Parle (harpsichord) | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| |  | François Couperin - Keyboard Music 3
With this third volume Angela Hewitt concludes her personal survey of Couperin’s keyboard music and proves that, in the hands of someone as steeped in Baroque keyboard style as herself, music which was previously thought the exclusive domain of the harpsichordist can be successfully transferred to the modern piano. | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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Christophe Rousset (harpsichord) | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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