I somehow managed to find this now rare recording of Henry Purcell’s charming, indeed enchanting, harpsichord suites — I have listened to them often — on an LP which I purchased in the 1970s. The recording is by Isabelle Nef.

Isabelle Nef (1895-1976) was a Swiss pianist and harpsichordist.

 

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“Purcell’s keyboard works may occupy a relatively minor niche in his glorious oeuvre, but they are still touched by genius. These harpsichord pieces are models of charm and sophistication, their melodic invention a constant source of delight. Many of Purcell’s harpsichord compositions first appeared in The Choice Collection of Lessons for Harpsichord or Spinnet, which was published in 1696, just one year after his death. … The suites are very influenced by the elegant French style that was fashionable in Restoration London, with elaborate ornamentation, especially in the delicate Almands. …”

— Graham Lock

Classical-Music.com; The official website of BBC Music Magazine

http://www.classical-music.com/review/purcell-1

 

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SIDE 1

No. 1 In G Major

Prelude-Almand-Corant-Minuet

No. 2 In G Minor

Prelude-Almand-Corant-Saraband

No. 3 In G Major

Prelude-Almand-Courante

No. 4 In A Minor

Prelude-Almand-Corante-Saraband

 

SIDE 2

No. 5 In C Major

Prelude-Almand-Corant

No. 6 In D Major

Prelude-Almand-Hornpipe

No. 7 In D Minor

Almand-Corant-Hornpipe

No. 8 In F Major

Prelude-Almand-Courante-Minuet

 

— posted by Roger W. Smith

   March 2019