Synopses & Reviews
A discography and bibliography of music written for the modern harpsichord, this volume features more than 800 mass-marketed recordings of some 600 compositions written after the revival of the harpsichord (ca. 1889). Also included is information pertaining to performances of compositions arranged for harpsichord. Although the modern harpsichord is a much greater part of 20th-century music than one might imagine, it is about to become a relic because of its historical incorrectness. This will leave sound recordings as the prime medium of information for contemporary compositions, most of which cannot be adequately performed on any other instrument.
The modern harpsichord consists of two manuals with at least four stops—one 4-foot, two 8-foot, and one 16-foot—operated by pedals. This type of harpsichord (except for the 16-foot stop) has been in existence since 1889. The new design, popular for many years, has fallen on hard times due to its lack of resonance and its historically inaccurate disposition of stops. Because it may well become an instrument of the past, this volume, which documents music composed specifically for the modern harpsichord, is especially valuable.
Review
This volume is a must for music research libraries, discography scholars, and serious record collectors.American Record Guide
Review
Elste, an experienced discographer, provides a wealth of information for the recordings of this repertoire. This discography of modern harpsichord music belongs in major research and academic music collections.RQ
Review
...its uniqueness makes this a reasonable choice for reference collection of scholarly music librariesARBA
Synopsis
A discography and bibliography of music written for the modern harpsichord, this volume features more than 800 mass-marketed recordings of some 600 compositions written after the revival of the harpsichord (ca. 1889). Also included is information pertaining to performances of compositions arranged for harpsichord. Although the modern harpsichord is a much greater part of 20th-century music than one might imagine, it is about to become a relic because of its historical incorrectness. This will leave sound recordings as the prime medium of information for contemporary compositions, most of which cannot be adequately performed on any other instrument.
Synopsis
A discography of more than 800 mass-marketed recordings of some 600 compositions written after the revival of the harpsichord and calling for this instrument.
About the Author
MARTIN ELSTE is curator in the Museum of Musical Instruments, State Institute for Music Research, Berlin, and is chair of the Discography Committee of the International Association of Sound Archives.
Table of Contents
Abbreviations
How to Use the Discography
Introduction and Acknowledgments
Discography
Index 1: Compositions by Genre
Compositions for Solo Harpsichord and for Two Harpsichords: Concertos
Compositions for Chamber Ensemble
Compositions for Large Ensemble with Harpsichord
Vocal Music and Opera
Arrangements for Harpsichord (except Jazz and Popular Music)
Jazz and Popular Music
Compositions with Electronics and/or Magnetic Tape
Harpsichord Compositions Recorded Using a Piano
Compositions Performed on an Electronic Harpsichord or a Similar Instrument
Index 2: Chronology of Compositions
Index 3: Collections of Modern Harpsichord Music
Index 4: Labels and Record Numbers
Index 5: Harpsichordists
Index 6: Harpsichord Makers
References