Pieces de clavecin

There are only a handful of current discs of Balbastre's First Collection for Harpsichord, so I extend a warm welcome to Aliud's new contribution, especially in high resolution audio played by the young Belgian Korneel Bernolet (b.1989). Bernolet, is a recital soloist and conductor. He teaches in Belgium and has been awarded a number of awards for both his harpsichord playing and his conducting. Bernolet's instrument is a recent copy of an instrument by Jean-Henry Hemsch from 1736, and it is the co-star of this recording. Hemsch was regarded as a premier builder of harpsichords in Paris, and this double-manual instrument with two 8' and one 4' disposition has a very unusually high level of color within each register, as superbly demonstrated in this recording.

Here we have one of the most natural and affecting portrayals of this wonderful Hemsch instrument. Jos Boerland settles for a fairly close but airy recording from the Sint-Truiden Church in Belgium, which might well mimic the acoustics of a Rococo salon in Paris. Bernolet's clear articulation, especially in the rich and solid bass, is fully projected, and he ranges tellingly through the two dispositions, the two 8' sets of strings having quite different characters to display. At times, for increased brilliance, he brings in the brighter 4', but all of these changes are orchestrated with true gallic sensitivity and panâche.

Musically entertaining and informative, with unwavering keyboard mastery in performance and endowed with one of the best recordings of a harpsichord I have come across. Strongly recommended.