Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Wanda Landowska's masterful performances with "Wanda Landowska in Performance, Vol. 2." This exquisite collection, released on June 1, 2013, under the Music and Arts Programs of America label, showcases the virtuosity and artistry of one of the most celebrated harpsichordists of the 20th century. Spanning a little over an hour and nine minutes, the album is a testament to Landowska's profound interpretation of Baroque music, featuring works by esteemed composers such as Jean-Philippe Rameau, George Frideric Handel, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Antonio Vivaldi.
The album opens with Rameau's intricate "Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode," followed by a captivating Suite in E Minor. Landowska's delicate touch and precise technique bring Handel's Keyboard Suite No. 7 in G Minor to life, highlighting the composer's rich harmonies and rhythmic complexity. Bach's English Suite No. 2 in A Minor is rendered with a depth of expression that reveals the composer's genius, while Vivaldi's Keyboard Concerto in D Major, BWV 972, arranged for the harpsichord, showcases Landowska's dynamic range and interpretive skill.
A standout piece is Handel's Keyboard Suite No. 5 in E Major, HWV 430, featuring the famous "Air, 'Harmonious Blacksmith'" and its enchanting variations. Landowska's performance is a masterclass in musical storytelling, capturing the essence of each composition with unparalleled clarity and emotional resonance. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the harpsichord repertoire, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of Wanda Landowska and the timeless beauty of Baroque music.
2013 Music and Arts Programs of America2013 Music and Arts Programs of America
Tracks
Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode, Suite in E Minor, RCT 2: II. CouranteJean-Philippe Rameau, Wanda Landowska
Pièces de clavecin avec une méthode, Suite in E Minor, RCT 2: IV. Gigue en rondeau IIJean-Philippe Rameau, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 7 (Set I) in G Minor, HWV 432: I. Overture: Adagio - PrestoGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 7 (Set I) in G Minor, HWV 432: II. AndanteGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 7 (Set I) in G Minor, HWV 432: III. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 7 (Set I) in G Minor, HWV 432: IV. SarabandeGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 7 (Set I) in G Minor, HWV 432: V. GigueGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 7 (Set I) in G Minor, HWV 432: VI. PassacailleGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, Bwv 807: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, Bwv 807: II. AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, Bwv 807: III. CouranteJohann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, Bwv 807: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, Bwv 807: V. Bourree I-IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, Bwv 807: VI. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Concerto in D Major, BWV 972: I. (Allegro) [arr. Of Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in D Major, RV 230]Johann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Concerto in D Major, BWV 972: II. Larghetto (Arr. Of Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in D Major, RV 230)Johann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Concerto in D Major, BWV 972: III. Allegrissimo (Arr. Of Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in D Major, RV 230)Johann Sebastian Bach, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 5 (Set I) in E Major, HWV 430: I. PreludeGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 5 (Set I) in E Major, HWV 430: IV. Air, "Harmonious Blacksmith": AirGeorge Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
Keyboard Suite No. 5 (Set I) in E Major, HWV 430: IV. Air, "Harmonious Blacksmith": Variations 1-5George Frideric Handel, Wanda Landowska
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