Froberger: Complete Fantasias and Canzonas
Johann Jacob FROBERGER (1616-1667)
Froberger’s fantasias and canzonas are amongst his most beautifully crafted yet most neglected works. They survive together with toccatas and partitas in a meticulously written autograph manuscript, the Libro Secondo, dated 19 September 1649. This is the first recording of all 14 works on the clavichord. Froberger was a most important figure in the early baroque period, helping to develop the style of the ‘dance suite’ so well known from the later hands of Bach, Handel and so many more.
The instrument used here is a reconstruction (2009, Andreas Hermet) of a South German clavichord which is in the Berlin Musical Instrument Museum. It is an ideal vehicle for the strongly contrapuntal music of Froberger. The clavichord is a small quiet instrument but does have a wide dynamic range and even variable vibrato – an extremely difficult instrument to master.
Terence Charlston is one of the UK’s foremost exponents of early keyboard music both as a soloist on organ, clavichord and harpsichord, and as a chamber musician, having been a member of both the London Baroque and Florilegium. He has initiated many new editions and recordings of early music and has developed an international reputation as one of the leaders of this area of music.
Track Listing
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Johann Jacob Froberger (1616-1667):
- Fantasia I sopra VT.RE.MI.FA.SOL.LA, FbWV 201 (8:08)
- Fantasia II, FbWV 202 (3:49)
- Fantasia III, FbWV 203 (4:29)
- Fantasia IV sopra Sollare, FbWV 204 (3:40)
- Fantasia V, FbWV 205 (3:08)
- Fantasia VI, FbWV 206 (4:31)
- Fantasia, FbWV 207 (4:47)
- Fantaisie.Duo, FbWV 208 (2:31)
- Canzon I, FbWV 301 (6:39)
- Canzon II, FbWV 302 (4:55)
- Canzon III, FbWV 303 (3:27)
- Canzon IV, FbWV 304 (5:54)
- Canzon V, FbWV 305 (2:34)
- Canzon VI, FbWV 306 (3:29)
Reviews
“An extremely fine recording, strongly recommended. There is a great variety of mood and structure, and inventive transformations and variations of the themes. Charlston is a very fine clavichordist, sensitive to the nuances of the music and the character of the clavichord. The 20-page booklet is full of useful information and insights.
” —David Griffel
“The towering figure of Jacob Froberger needs no introduction. Terence Charlston is surely one of England’s most modest virtuosi, whose reputation among his fellow musicians is extremely high. Charlston’s approach is seldom neutral. He is an expressive player, keen to communicate more than the intellectual satisfaction of neat counterpoint. It is possible with the clavichord to hear this music in new and refreshing ways.
” —Colin Booth
“This is good to have, as the clavichord was an important household instrument of the time, and certainly Froberger’s music would have been performed on it. Likewise, Charlton’s execution of these works is quite deft.
”
“[These works] embody a diverse range of treatment — perhaps the fullest and profoundest compendium of keyboard counterpoint before J.S. Bach. [The clavichord’s] sound and capabilities are remarkably well-suited to Froberger’s textures. The playing is exemplary. Each piece is taken on its own terms, grounded in deep and patient understanding of its characteristics. This is very fine playing, beautifully recorded.
” —Adrian Lenthall
“This new record is a fine specimen of expertise and craftsmanship, with each of the above components keenly harmonized. . In the hands of Charlston, his clavichord soars and expands before our very ears. Charlston reveals a depth of humanity on par with the great polyphonic achievements of J.S. Bach.
” —Adam Sherkin
“Charlston’s delivery is mostly calm and undemonstrative. It’s persuasive, emphasizing the noble dignity and intellectual rigor of the compositions. Charlston is a terrific clavichordist. Getting all of these together on a single CD is most welcome, and this is the only way to hear them all recorded on clavichord.
” —Bradley Lehmann
“This recording is a resounding success. Charlston’s joy in bringing this music to life shines through and I can strongly recommend this recording.
” —Noel O'Regan
“This is a quiet backwater of classical music, but one in which all those who wash up there have a thoroughly good time.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“Terence Charlston brings to us this abundant program nicely from a specially constructed period clavichord that gives out with a most distinctive tone. The music is masterful, lucid; this is a carefully detailed reading of some gems from 1649, music that maintains high levels of contrapuntal brilliance. It is music any thorough explorer of Early Music should be happy to immerse self in.
” —Grego Edwards
“[Froberger] paved the way for J S Bach’s elaborate contributions to the dance suite genre and influenced almost every major composer in Europe. On this new album is the first recording all 14 of his Canzonas and Fantasias. These are amongst his most beautifully crafted yet most neglected works. This is a welcome exploration of the work of a composer who has been called the Chopin of the seventeenth century.
” —John Pitt
“The perfect way to hear Froberger’s outstanding keyboard music in new and refreshing ways. A deliciously intimate experience. Such a beautifully made and decorated keyboard instrument
” —Andrew McGregor
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