Jean Philippe Rameau: Pieces de Clavecin – Trevor Pinnock (harpsichord)

Trevor Pinnock appeared on Avie catalogue number 0001 (conducting the English Concert in Handel’s opera Tamerlano). Here he appears as solo harpsichordist, a role for which he has won world-wide acclaim and a Gramophone Award. The centrepiece of Trevor’s new recording is Rameau’s rondeau Les Cyclopes, rather oddly named for the mythical man-eating beast but perhaps aptly employing all the delightful compositional eccentricities of the French composer. Rounding out the CD are two extensive suites.

The exceptional instrument heard here is the Jean Goermans / Pascal Taskin harpsichord (Paris 1763, 1783/84) from the Raymond Russell collection of early keyboard instruments at St. Cecilia’s Hall Museum of Instruments, University of Edinburgh.

Having championed this music since the 1970s, Pinnock now celebrates his command by re-recording a selection of favourites on an historic instrument. The result is riveting. The instrument inspires Pinnock into phrases more elegant, rhythmic patterning more precise, and passion more profound. The crisp definition of the recording faithfully transmits the unique qualities of the Goerman harpsichord. — BBC Music Magazine, May 2005, 4 out of 5 stars