
I was fortunate to get an early listen to Christoph Rousset’s latest CD, brought from France courtesy of the SDEMS “French Connection.” I couldn’t wait to get my own copy, and it is now generally available in the US. In almost every way it is a stunning recording that uncovers the delights or this often overlooked composer and reveals the best of Rousset: the ebullient energy of his youthful recordings with what I can only describe as a laser-like focus on the nuance and details of a more seasoned master.

Also stunning is the instrument itself, an instrument by Christian Kroll that was built in 1779 and found entirely in its original state. This is a very late instrument, with a big and refined sound, perfect for Duphly’s music. My one complaint with the recording is its sound: the ambient noise is a low roar throughout the recording. I’m sure this is due as much to the recording location as the placement of the microphones:la Galerie dorée de la Banque de France, obviously a large and resonant room. This is not distracting when played in a room at moderate levels, but it is quite obvious with headphones and it reduces the clarity of the sound. I wouldn’t let this discourage you from running out and buying this 2-CD set.
Christoph Rousset will make his West Coast debut April 9 at the superb TSRI auditorium, easily the best venue for a solo harpsichord recital in San Diego. If you don’t already have tickets, order them online now; people will be traveling from far and wide for this event.
–Kemer