English Post-Restoration Harpsichord Music

[MickyD]

I went to a very pleasant harpsichord recital here in Arles last night, given by the Vietnamese harpsichordist Caroline Huynh Van Xuan. A new name to me, but she has done some sterling work researching manuscripts in the British Library and compiled a fascinating programme of short pieces by some well known and less familiar composers, grouping them into suites. I had never heard of Anthony Young (1683-1747), Philip Hart (1674-1749) or John Weldon (1676-1736). A programme full of delightful surprises!

[BBMmk2]

Thanks for that MickyD, I've been listening to some restoration Period composers, lately. Most satisfying.

[MickyD]

Indeed, bbm, I love all those grounds written for harpsichord, they are so wistful and contemplative. This artist has released a CD of the same programme, which you can find extracts of on YouTube, but I was very disappointed with the very close recording of the harpsichord. Otherwise I would have bought it.

[BBMmk2]

Might see if it's on Spotify.

[Richard Barrett]

Anthony Young (1683-1747)

I'm just listening to a Ground by A Young on Youtube from this CD. The close recording doesn't bother me. It sounds like the instrument is in my living room, which for this kind of music isn't inappropriate.

On the subject of English music of a certain age, earlier posts here sent me back to Trevor Pinnock's recording of symphonies by Boyce. I guess they do distinguish themselves stylistically from Handel, but for me in a negative way, by lacking the variety, finesse and elegant counterpoint of (for example) his op.6, much as does the instrumental music of Avison, Arne and other Englishmen composing in Handel's shadow. Mind you I'm not such a big fan of Handel either, or of much British music between 1700 and 1950, so my opinion isn't worth a lot. (Did you have any more luck with Bartók by the way?)

[MickyD]

I thought that Ground by Anthony Young was the most delightful in the programme, Richard. I think my ears were rather spoiled as I heard the recital in a nicely resonant church - different people like different acoustics, I agree. And I suppose to be really "authentic", it is indeed best to hear such music with an intimate sound.

I like Hogwood's version of the Boyce symphonies, he takes a little more time over them.

As for Bartok, yes, I did persevere and rather liked some of the orchestral music, piano concertos etc. I am definitely much more open to listening to him following everyone's kind suggestions, but I think my ears still have a lot of work to do! Thanks for asking.