“I don't miss the orchestra when I'm writing for the harpsichord. Most of the harpsichord players I know aren't very active. They spend their time playing figured bass, accompanying other instruments, I try to give them something else to do. They can play as loud as an orchestra, be whatever they want to be." —Vincent Persichetti
Writing for the harpsichord in this century has in a way paralleled the recovery of historical instrument- making styles. The harpsichords for which most of the modern repertoire was conceived are those from the early years of the harpsichord revival in which piano technology combined with a late romantic taste to produce large and complicated "plucking pianos" with multiple registers of extreme and contrasted tonal color, and pedals for instant timbral changes. Such harpsichords "improve" on the piano as a sort of miniature orchestra, and "orchestration" is the main interest of music written for them. -David C. Calhoun/Ante Musica Seattle, Washington
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Full liner notes are accessible via the link above.
20th Century Harpsichord Works
| MP3/320 | $7.99 | |
| FLAC | $7.99 | |
| WAV | $7.99 | |
| CD-R | $7.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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Sonata for Harpsichord : I. Andante sostenuto; allegro
Vincent Persichetti
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Sonata for Harpsichord: II. Adagio
Vincent Persichetti
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Sonata for Harpsichord: III. Vivace
Vincent Persichetti
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Four Fancies for Harpsichord: I. Excentrique
William Albright
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Four Fancies for Harpsichord: II. Mirror Bagatelle
William Albright
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Four Fancies for Harpsichord: III. Musette
William Albright
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Four Fancies for Harpsichord: IV. Danza ostinata
William Albright
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Spiders
Ned Rorem
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Set of Four: I. Rondo
Henry Cowell
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Set of Four: II. Ostinato
Henry Cowell
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Set of Four: III. Chorale
Henry Cowell
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Set of Four: IV. Fugue and Resume
Henry Cowell
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