Search - Matthias Weckmann, Jan Katzschke :: Matthias Weckmann: Works for Harpsichord

Harpsichord played with fire and passion

Mark Stuart | Sydney, Australia | 10/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a truly exceptional and inspiring recording for three reasons. Firstly, the playing is full of verve and subtle rhythmic alterations which always reveal the structure of the music. Not since Gustav Leonhardt have I heard such remarkable playing. Katzschkes touch and attention to the finer degrees of nuance and agogics is one of the many refreshing aspects of this performance, which is generously timed at just over 80 minutes. Secondly the music is extraordinary. It has Italian influences, and is contemporary with Froberger. The musical invention had my feet tapping and heart racing, with stupendous corruscations of dissonances and rhythimic vitality. Wonderful repertoire indeed. Thirdly, the harpsichord used for the recording is perfect for this mid 17thC music. It is a copy of an anonymous German model of c.1700, constructed by Dietrich Hein. The instrument sounds as if it is a short scale brass strung instrument, with a florid burst of sound after the initial pluck, and nothing to cloud the florid invention and divisions of the music. The second instrument used is also remarkable. It's a Lute Harpsichord, strung in gut, made by Keith Hill. It's wonderful to see such creativity between instrument music and player. May this be the first of many recordings by this truly exceptional player. A must for harpsichordists and anyone interested in Baroque music."