Le Clavecin a Paris (The Harpsichord In Paris In The 17th Century): Vol. I

On Le Clavecin a Paris (The Harpsichord In Paris In The 17th Century): Vol. I, Jos van Immerseel performs the music by seven masters of 18th century Paris on three historical harpsichords – some of the finest jewels in the Musée de la musique of Philharmonie de Paris: Jean-Henri Hemsch harpsichord, 1761; Ruckers-Taskin harpsichord, 1646/1780; Goujon harpsichord, 1749, restored by Swanen in 1784.

Jos van Immerseel pays homage to some of the composers who have accompanied him since the beginning of his prestigious career as a harpsichordist. The composers featured on these albums are often mentioned in the same breath, yet each has their own and completely unique style.

In Jos van Immerseel’s words: “Louis Marchand has whimsical and surprising turns, François Couperin is known for musical regality, Jean-Philippe Rameau portrays theatrical and folk influences, Antoine Forqueray speaks a daring language of the devil’s gamba, Jacques Duphly makes the harpsichord sing, Claude Balbastre is a revolutionary challenger, and Armand-Louis Couperin wavers between brilliance and parting pain”.

Jos van Immerseel, Harpsichord