We all know about acclaimed harpsichordists from different countries (a few
are reading this post) who have produced excellent and stylish performances
of French Baroque music, with the well-known notes inégales. 

 

So it comes to a surprise to find that authentic performance is by no means
the rule. I have just been signalled, by a distinguished member of this
list, a recording by a supposedly outstanding young French harpsichordist.
Let us not make names. The webpage allows to hear a few recorded pieces,
some in videos. It is mostly Rameau. What I see and hear is: 

 

- An Allemande in "C" in semiquavers played absolutely égale and legato
throughout ("pace" Hotteterre and others sources from which we know that
these pieces were played inégales and therefore non-legato.)

 

- Les Tendres Plaintes played as if it was an unmeasured prelude.

 

- A webpage showing a French harpsichordist playing six French Baroque
pieces, with no inégales anywhere.

 

There is certainly no scarcity of excellent French harpsichordists who know
better, yet this is not the first time I encounter young French
harpsichordists giving recitals and recording French Baroque music with not
a single note inégale. 

 

A real pity.

 

CDV

 

http://play.braybaroque.ie/ 



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