Customer Reviews

Le Clavecin Francais: Marchand & Clerambault

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First of all, this is a fine-quality release: a recent performance on a period instrument, along with outstanding packaging and sound quality.

French Baroque harpsichord music one might think is dated and in many respects not of sufficient value to encompass either all the musical developments since that era, or all the psychological and social developments in the western world since the era of the turn of the 17th, into the 18th century, when this music was written.

However, the depth and psychological sophistication of this music is marvelous; it is music for all time; sufficiently cognizant of the condition of modern man (or at least of what humanity might have been thinking culturally/philosophically/socially at mid-20th century; a time this music might appeal to even more than now, but of course that would also mean great appeal for current people, too).

Regarding the specific compositions, the Louis Marchand d minor Suite is powerful, rich music. His g minor Suite, in contrast, is remarkably wistful; listening to it gave me the impression of getting to middle age in life with things un-done, un-accomplished; with some regrets.

Louis Marchand writes in a sufficiently lavish, court-appropriate style. In contrast, Louis-Nicolas Clerambault is remarkably urbane, and raw, or unpolished. And yet Clerambault is sophisticated as well. The C major Suite, being the only major composition included in the major mode, is refreshing, and it gives evidence of Clerambault as I have just now described him. Even more remarkable, and precious, however, is the c minor Suite. Continuing to have all of the characteristics of Clerambault aforementioned, beyond that it is remarkably deep, philosophical, and existential.

The famous Borel manuscript performed by Davitt Moroney, an extraordinary interpreter of the French harpsichord literature. A sumptuous and marvelous choice of instruments as well, beautifully recorded. An exemplary idiomatic sound for this selection of real jewels from many period composers. If this period and literature appeal to you, don't miss it!