Bringing The Harpsichord Up To Date

The free disk with this month's issue of BBC Music magazine features current BBC New Generation Artist scheme member harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani. He performs two works. One is familiar material for his instrument, a fine performance of Bach's Partita No 4 in D, BWV 828. Coincidentally, I just recently acquired a recording of this by Murray Perahia on modern concert grand and I think comparing the two just proves how adaptable Bach's music is and that it is a joy to be able to hear both options without any preconceived dogma. The other work performed is much less frequently peformed repertoire. It is a performance of Poulenc's Concert Champetre, with Esfahani on harpsichord accompanied bythe BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Martyn Brabbins. The influence of Bach is buried fairly deeply in this piece but is still there, as is the influence of neo-classical Stravinsky. But there are elements in the orchestration that are very much Poulenc's own. It is a large orchestra and makes considerable use of percussion too and so it is interesting that the balance with the relatively fragile sound of the harpsichord works so well for the most part. Written for the pioneer in resurrecting the harpsichord, Wanda Landowska, it is good to have a new musician in Esfahani who is keen to explore the more unusual contexts in which the instrument can be heard.