Roux Le, Gaspard - Complete Harpsichord Music - Belder, Pieter-Jan

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Gaspard le Roux (c. 1660-c. 1707) is one of the most enigmatic composers of late 17th century France, as there is nothing known about him, except a mention on a tax paper roll and his legacy of his “Pieces de clavecin,” which are recorded here for the first time in completion. Le Roux might be roughly placed between D’Anglebert and Couperin. His preludes are written in the “non mesure” style, which means that the performer has to invent the rhythms himself, thus creating the required improvisational character of the music. The special, basic notation of the music also leaves open the choice of instrument: the suites may be played in both solo and duo formation, that is for one or two harpsichords. Both possibilities are presented on this recording. This release is another excellent recording by Dutch keyboard player Pieter Jan Belder (“stand-out exponent in this repertoire” Musicweb) and Siebe Henstra, playing two brand new, magnificent harpsichords from Pieter-Jan Belder’s collection, built by Titus Crijnen after Ruckers and Blanchet.