8 setts of lessons

Description

Interpreting fascinating, Mitzi Meyerson conveys her passion for English instrumental music from the mid-18th century, specifically these Eight Setts of Lessons for harpsichord by John Jones. Even today, the omnipresence of Georg Friedrich Handel tends to overshadow musicians who contributed talent to the musical life of London during the baroque period, such as John Jones, who was an organist for about forty years in three important London institutions, including St. Paul's Cathedral (!) or Richard Jones, probably without any family relation to the former, to whom Meyerson has dedicated two chamber music discs. Very few works by John Jones have survived, except for these Setts (or suites) for harpsichord, where the spirit of the 18th century dances to the rhythm of Sicilianas, Allemandes, Gavottes, and Minuets. One also appreciates his knowledge of Handel's orchestral music and (just like in the latter) that of CPE Bach. This is revealed by the serene virtuosity and expressive characterization of Mitzi Meyerson, akin to her previous and admirable recoveries of forgotten wonders, in her Glossa discs dedicated to Gottlieb Muffat, Giovanni Battista Somis, or the already mentioned composer, Richard Jones. This new recording of the harpsichord music of John Jones raises a very interesting question that can also be reversed: do Handel's harpsichord suites compare with those of Jones?