Claude Y. Laporte

by Claude Y. Laporte (Author), Alain April (Author)

Blandine Verlet, a noted French harpsichordist, studied with Ruggiero Gerlin and Ralph Kirkpatrick. She began recording in the late 1970s for Philips, switching to the Astree label in the 1990s. Her recordings range from J.S. Bach's keyboard works to Froberger to lesser known composers such as Louis Couperin and Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre. Her second recording of the Goldberg Variations, in 1992, has been called "one of the finest harpsichord versions in the catalog." With violinist Gerard Poulet she has recorded early violin sonatas by Mozart, using the older Baroque keyboard instruments rather than a fortepiano or modern piano. Verlet has also worked with flutist Stephen Preston and viola da gambist Jordi Savall. Her playing is noted for her control and restraint in not letting emotion carry her away.

Christophe Rousset plays the harpsichord pieces by the French composer Balbastre (pronounced Balbatre) as a documented interpreter. Little known by the public at large, the musician of the eighteenth century helped to perfect the forte-piano and to publicize this new instrument. Influenced by composers such as Handel and Domenico Scarlatti, masters of the vocal repertoire, he seduces by a virtuoso writing, full of effects. A sonata with violin accompaniment ends this program with a delicate touch.