Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of harpsichord music with Wanda Landowska's "Treasury of Harpsichord Music & Dances of Ancient Poland." This captivating collection, released on Naxos in 2005, offers a rich tapestry of compositions that span from the baroque elegance of Bach and Handel to the lively folk dances of 17th-century Poland. Landowska, a renowned harpsichordist, brings her unparalleled skill and sensitivity to each piece, making this album a true delight for both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the harpsichord.
The album begins with a fantasia attributed to J.S. Bach, showcasing the intricate and expressive capabilities of the harpsichord. It then transitions through a variety of keyboard sonatas, suites, and dances, each piece revealing Landowska's mastery of timing, dynamics, and ornamentation. Highlights include the enchanting "Les baricades mystérieuses" by François Couperin and the lively "Rondo alla turka" from Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 11.
A significant portion of the album is dedicated to Polish music, offering a unique blend of classical and folk traditions. From the graceful "Polonaise in A Minor" to the lively "Mazurkas, Op. 56," these pieces provide a fascinating glimpse into the musical heritage of Poland. The album concludes with a selection of 17th-century Polish dances, performed with a sense of joy and vitality that is truly infectious.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of harpsichord music that will captivate and inspire. Whether you're seeking to expand your classical music library or simply looking for a beautiful collection to enjoy, Wanda Landowska's "Treasury of Harpsichord Music & Dances of Ancient Poland" is sure to impress.
(C) 2005 Naxos(P) 2005 Naxos
Tracks
Fantasia in C Minor, BWV 919 (Attrib. J.S. Bach)Johann Bernhard Bach, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Sonata in D Major, Kk. 443Domenico Scarlatti, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Sonata in D Minor, Kk. 32Domenico Scarlatti, Wanda Landowska
Codex Martínez Compañón, Suite in D Minor: SarabandeJacques Champion de Chambonnières, Wanda Landowska
La DauphineJean-Philippe Rameau, Wanda Landowska
Pièces de clavecin, Book 2 Ordre 6: No. 1, Les baricades mystérieusesFrançois Couperin, Wanda Landowska
Pièces de clavecin, Book 4 Ordre 23: No. 5, L'arlequineFrançois Couperin, Wanda Landowska
Ground in C Minor, ZD 221 (Attrib. H. Purcell)William Croft, Wanda Landowska
The NightingaleAnonymous, Wanda Landowska
Suite No. 5 in E Major, HWV 430: IV. Air mit 5 Variationen "The Harmonious Blacksmith"George Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Rondo in D Major, K. 485Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wanda Landowska
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla turkaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wanda Landowska
Minuet in D Major, K. 355Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Wanda Landowska
16 Konzerte nach verschiedenen Meistern, Concerto No. 1 in D Major, BWV 972: I. Allegro (After A. Vivaldi)Johann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
16 Konzerte nach verschiedenen Meistern, Concerto No. 1 in D Major, BWV 972: II. Larghetto (After A. Vivaldi)Johann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
16 Konzerte nach verschiedenen Meistern, Concerto No. 1 in D Major, BWV 972: III. Allegro (After A. Vivaldi)Johann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
Polonaise in A Minor, KZ 13Michał Kleofas Ogiński, Wanda Landowska
GagliardaJacques le Polonois, Wanda Landowska
Bourrée d'AuvergneWanda Landowska
8 Choreae polonicae: No. 1 in G MajorDiomedes Cato, Wanda Landowska
Polonaise in G MajorMichał Kleofas Ogiński, Wanda Landowska
Les Indes galantes: Air pour deux polonaisJean-Philippe Rameau, Wanda Landowska
Pièces de clavecin, Book 4 Ordre 20: No. 2, Air dans le goût polonaisFrançois Couperin, Wanda Landowska
3 Polish Dances of the 17th Century: I. Courante (After J. de Polonais)Wanda Landowska
3 Polish Dances of the 17th Century: II. —Wanda Landowska
3 Polish Dances of the 17th Century: III. —Wanda Landowska
The HopWanda Landowska
Mazurkas, Op. 56: No. 2 in C MajorFrédéric Chopin, Wanda Landowska