The Contemporary Harpsichord
Mark Kroll (harpsichord), Fenwick Smith (flute), Carol Lieberman (violin)
Mark Kroll writes: "Composers began writing new music for the harpsichord almost as soon as the instrument was rescued from extinction at the end of the 19th century. In fact, their contributions have played an important role in returning the harpsichord to its rightful place in the musical mainstream. The number of compositions has grown dramatically since those early days - and so has the quality. Each new work seems to exploit the unique sonorities of the instrument with ever increasing skill and sensitivity, and the contemporary repertoire now features excellent harpsichord music by almost every great composer of our time. American composers have been particularly enthusiastic advocates for the instrument. Six of them are represented on my first CD of contemporary American harpsichord music for Albany Records (TROY 457). This recording continues my exploration and support of this repertoire, and features some of the most exciting new contributions to the genre. All except the Hovhaness have been written in the last 25 years, and three belong to the first harpsichord pieces of the 21st century.
Track Listing
Title | Composer | Performer |
---|---|---|
The Seve Faces of Fernando | Robert Starer | Mark Kroll, harpsichord |
Fantasia | Peter Child | Mark Kroll, harpsichord |
Fanfares for Solo Harpsichord | Ronald Caltabiano | Mark Kroll, harpsichord |
Le tombeau du petit prince | Alvin Singleton | Mark Kroll, harpsichord |
Fantasia Impromptu | Gunther Schuller | Fenwick Smith, flute, Mark Kroll, harpsichord |
Suite for Violin and Harpsichord | Theodore Antoniou | Carol Lieberman, violin, Mark Kroll, harpsichord |
Duet for Violin and Harpsichord | Alan Hovhaness | Carol Lieberman, violin, Mark Kroll, harpsichord |
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