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A CENTURY OF DOMESTIC KEYBOARDS, 1727-1832
JOANNA LEACH

Period-instrument specialist Joanna Leach takes us on a journey through the development of keyboard instruments used in wealthy homes, fro a spinet through three square pianos; each contemporary with the music played.

Musically both educational and extremely entertaining - a fine and unique recital.
playing time: 66.21
direct sale price:  £8.50
audio  sample: Handel - Toccata in G minor 
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tracks:
Spinet (Barton, 1727)
Couperin:
Les Barricades Misterieuses
Les Folies Françaises
Byrd:
Pavan - The Earle of Salisbury
Handel:
Fantasia in C major, G60
Square Piano (Longman & Broderip, 1787)
Handel:
Sonata in G minor, G273
Toccata in G minor, G 276
Air and Variations, G56
Bach:
Prelude in E major, BWV933 no. 5
Prelude in E minor, BWV933 no. 6
Square Piano (Stodart, 1823)
Soler:
Sonata no. 84 in D major
Mozart:
Adagio in B minor, K540
Schubert:
Six Dances
Ungarische Melodie, D817
Square Piano (Clementi, 1832)
Mendelssohn:
Two Venetian Gondola Songs
Wie die Zeit lauft
Duetto, op. 38 no. 6
Albumblatt in E minor. op. 117

review extracts: for full reviews click here

“The recording is beautifully judged throughout, very close and capturing the finest of nuances. Leach's performances are first-rate, stylish and alert, with impeccably pointed ornaments. The booklet notes by Andrew Lancaster are very informative, complemented by colour photographs of each instrument. Highly recommended: domestic instruments they may be, but they are of a quality and character which is remarkable to hear.” - Nicholas Salwey (International Record Review)

“A thoroughly enjoyable album finds Leach playing for the clear joy of it...A tasty work with a nice concept.” - Chris Spector (MidWest Record)

“Period instrument specialist Joanna Leach takes us on a journey through the development of keyboard instruments. This unique recital of elegantly played music vividly brings to life the sounds of another age. – New Classics
“There is no denying the pleasure of experiencing the music of Mozart, Handel and Schubert in a domestic setting and as it would have been heard in the instruments of the day. Joanna Leach's playing is intimate, stylish and pleasantly unassuming.” – Jeremy Nicholas (Gramophone)