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Chances are you've never heard the harpsichord played quite this way before. Jukka Tiensuu takes the baroque instrument to new heights with this disc and--whether your taste is for baroque, jazz, or new music--there's something for everyone here. William Albright's opener "Danza Ostinata" sets the tone for this unique disc--it's a frenzied take on boogie-woogie piano centered upon a C-major chord. Things calm down around the third track--Dan Locklair's simple "Rag" only briefly veers from its gorgeous melody into dissonance--but not for long (fast and furious renditions of Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo à la Turk" and Erkki Salmenhaara's "Étude" quickly follow). Quite simply, this is a gorgeous recording of contemporary music, filled with a dizzying energy and a wild, fun spirit. The additions of Scarlatti's "Fandango" and Couperin's
Les fastes de la grande et ancienne give the disc some historic perspective, but all of these solo harpsichord pieces are noteworthy. Play it for the kids; they'll be begging for a harpsichord come the holidays.
--Jason Verlinde
