DCD 084 - Harpsichord Music, Old and New

This episode of the "DCD Classical 'Cast" podcast, we feature music from harpsichordist Elaine Comparone's recital CD for Laurel Records. Although the harpsichord is primarily known as an instrument of the baroque era, it wasn't completely supplanted by the fortepiano.

In the 20th century composers returned to the harpsichord, and contributed many important works to the instrument's repertoire. American composer Vincent Persichetti is one such contributor, and Ms. Comparone is directly responsible for several of his harpsichord works. After hearing her perform in 1982, Persichetti was inspired to write his second and third harpsichord sonatas -- works he dedicated to Elaine Comparone.

In addition to recording these works on the Laurel Records CD, Comparone also includes music by Dominico Scarlatti, whose output of 550 keyboard sonatas remains unrivaled in both quantity and quality.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Vincent Persichetti: Second Harpsichord Sonata, Op. 146, Mvt. 1
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

Dominico Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in A minor, K. 109
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

Vincent Persichetti: Fifth Harpsichord Sonata, Op. 152, Mvts. 2 & 3
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

Dominico Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonatas in C minor, K. 363 & K. 48
Elaine Comparone, harpsichord
from "Persichetti and Scarlatti: Harpsichord Sonatas"
Laurel Records

DCD 083 - La Suedoise

In episode #83 of the DCD Classical 'Cast, we feature music from a fascinating Musica Rediviva release. Early music specialist Tommie Andersson performs Baroque music for lute and guitar. The collection, entitled "La Suedoise" is a selection of compositions from the Swedish court of Christina, Queen regent, and later Charles X Gustav.

Christina was vitally interested in the arts, prompting a flowering of creativity, especially in the field of music.

Andersson plays works for Baroque lute and guitar, and one can easily imagine an evening's courtly entertainment being built around these pieces.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Hinrich Niewerth: Allemande, Courante, Sarabande
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Anonymous: Courante "La Suedoise"
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Bechon: Praelude, Allemande, courante, Sarabande
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Bechon: Praelude, Courante, Courante, Gigue, Sarabande
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva

Gaspar Sanz: Dos Trompetas de la Reyna de Suecia
Tommie Andersson
from "La Suedoise"
Musica Rediviva