Special offer. Bach, J S: Goldberg Variations, BWV988
Blandine Verlet (harpsichord Hemsch, 1751)
Verlet's brisk opening Aria belies the measured, tastefully embellished, lucid Bachian adventure that unfolds. Gallic flair gilds the French 'Ouverture', but Variation No. 23 sounds pedantic...
Special offer. Bach, J S: Goldberg Variations, BWV988
Blandine Verlet (harpsichord Hemsch, 1751)
Purchase product
Verlet's brisk opening Aria belies the measured, tastefully embellished, lucid Bachian adventure that unfolds. Gallic flair gilds the French 'Ouverture', but Variation No. 23 sounds pedantic...
About
Blandine Verlet, the 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. This, her second recording of the Goldbergs, has been called "one of the finest harpsichord versions in the catalogue."
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 flautist Stephen Preston and viola da gambist Jordi Savall. Her playing is noted for her control and restraint in not letting emotion carry her away. Recently recommended by Diapason as their 'Desert Island' Goldbergs, now at mid price.
Contents and tracklist
Awards and reviews
November 2012
Verlet's brisk opening Aria belies the measured, tastefully embellished, lucid Bachian adventure that unfolds. Gallic flair gilds the French 'Ouverture', but Variation No. 23 sounds pedantic rather than playful.