French Connections
Navona, 2022
8/10
An album just of harpsichord playing from Jonathan Rhodes Lee, the 3 compositions here tip their hat to the small, tight-knit pantheon of 17th-century French harpsichordists who paved the way for the instrument’s trajectory.
“Pieces In F” opens the listen with 5 chapters that illustrate Lee’s very agile harp playing as much beauty and awe flows with charming progressions that are never predictable.
“17th Ordre” lands in the middle and offers a swift and very alluring manipulation of the strings, where Lee’s dazzling finger acrobatics make the most of the 5 segments in an exciting fashion.
“Selections From Seat No. 5” exits the affair, and emits a warm, contemplative spirit that’s full of creative and rich playing in Lee’s very capable hands.
Louis Couperin, François Couperin and Antoine Forqueray handle the composition side here, and Lee illuminates their vision with flawless playing that allows for a truly unique solo album influenced from the Baroque period, but that has aged very well.
Travels well with: Marti Epstein- Rumpelstiltskin; Trio Casals- Moto Finale