Harpsichord Concertos

Description

The Harpsichord Concertos by Jean Sebastien Bach are undoubtedly the first in the history of music specifically designed for this instrument. In composing them, Bach aimed to adapt the string writing of Italian concertos to a keyboard instrument, while simultaneously enriching this style with typically German traits such as counterpoint and motivic development. Francesco Corti and il pomo d’oro present the concertos on this album as the first volume of what is expected to become a cycle of four albums. Corti chose to combine these four concertos for the full orchestral sound they require. Subsequent recordings in this series will have a chamber setting in comparison. For the choice of tempo and melodic variations, Corti drew inspiration from treatises from Bach's time, as well as the ornaments written by the composer. Francesco Corti is among the most established harpsichordists of his generation. He makes his debut with Pentatone with the ensemble il pomo d’oro, which has won several awards and has already recorded two albums of vocal recitals with Ann Hallenberg and Francesco Aspremonte.