The Art of the Harpsichord

We are set for an evening that explores the diverse textures of the high Baroque, moving between intimacy and orchestral grandeur. You will hear the harpsichord emerge from its typical role as a background instrument to take centre stage, particularly in JS Bach’s E major concerto where it displays remarkable rhythmic drive. The programme also highlights wind playing through Telemann’s D minor Oboe Concerto, a work noted for its expressive weight. A specific point of interest is the inclusion of works by Wilhelmine von Bayreuth and Madame Laschanzky, whose compositions provide a window into the sophisticated musical life of eighteenth-century courts. As the evening progresses, the texture broadens with pieces involving multiple keyboards. Listen for the playful dialogue in Bernardo Pasquini’s sonata and the intricate, interwoven lines in the Bach C minor concerto, where two harpsichords trade melodic phrases. The structure moves from smaller chamber configurations, such as the Handel Trio Sonata, to the fuller sound of the string ensemble, offering a comprehensive view of the era’s keyboard and reed repertoire.

The Academy of Ancient Music is a celebrated period-instrument orchestra based in London, renowned for bringing historical scores to life with period-appropriate techniques. They are joined by conductor Laurence Cummings, a leading specialist in Baroque music known for his stylish and energetic leadership from the keyboard. Harpsichordist Alastair Ross, a long-standing collaborator with the ensemble, features as the primary soloist. Together, they represent a collective expertise in the music of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, maintaining a reputation for scholarly rigour combined with vibrant, communicative playing on authentic instruments.

This performance takes place at Milton Court Concert Hall in London and has an approximate running time of 120 minutes. Given the variety of shorter concertos and sonatas, the evening is well-suited for those new to period-instrument performances or listeners who enjoy varied instrumental colours. The venue is a modern space within the Barbican complex, offering clear sightlines and an intimate acoustic well-suited to the harpsichord. There is no specific dress code for this event, so you should feel comfortable in everyday smart-casual attire. The two-hour duration typically includes an interval, though this is not confirmed.