A Hornepype: Harpsichord Solo

[@atmurstokes3274]

I begin this work at a much slower tempo. Then, at each following section I increase the tempo. I then end the last section at a very rapid tempo. The dramatic effect is astounding! What a wonderful work of music! I must have lived a prior life in the Renaissance! I play on a copy of the Pascal Taskin harpsichord of 1769 made by John Watson when he was 23 years old. He, now a bit older, is curator of ancient instruments at Colonial Williamsburg, VA.

[@CodeNameParis]

Oh, a P. Taskin harpsichord! what amazing instrument that is!

[@nikkitytom]

This is very very early keyboard music. Centuries later we had much more melodic and complex music. which is more to the modern taste. Taken in context of time and instrument, this is a wonderful performance. You can't compare a sixteenth century dance piece on a traditional plucked string instrument with a Chopin Nocturne on a Steinway. Apples and Oranges.. The sheer nastiness of so many comments on truly excellent You Tube performances have kept me from posting my own ....

[@sandyhackney]

Go!!! Great stuff - many thanaks as always.

[@siegfriedstark]

Sometimes you read in youtube such comments from "wannabe" critics that impress you, because it seems these criticisms come from world renowned virtuosi, with many awards and firts prizes in many disputes, many Honoris Causa doctorates, uncountable pages of newspaper and internet positive criticisms... and you simply realize it's not the case! Go on, Signora Comparone! I love your work!

[@TheCynedd]

I love everything harpsichord!

[@andrewhague1521]

Great performance and a very interesting and innovative piece. Is the calypso syncopation at 2:50 actually notated?

[@DanielFitzgeraldPiano]

I like playing this piece very much and find that your interpretation is great - thank you! You are an excellent harpsichordist and I would like very much to hear you play more pieces from that era, especially pieces from the Stainer & Bell 'Musica Britannica' volumes. I have a few of them and play pieces from them often. (cont'd)

[@TheStruggleUK.]

Fantastic!

[@saffog]

Thanks for sharing

[@DanielFitzgeraldPiano]

(cont'd) England was 'cut off' so to speak from the continent artistically for a number of years during this period in history, due no doubt to the ongoing wars. They did in fact develop their own 'home-grown' school of musical thought however. And who can argue the fact, what with Farnaby's incredible fantasias, the precursors to most contrapuntal forms 150 years later? I love Elizabethan music and you play it splendidly. Please continue. Regards from Canada.

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

If you like Elizabethan music on the harpsichord, you'll love Elaine's interpretation of My Lady Carey's Dompe. The ornamentation she applies is exquisite. I think it might be the best rendition of that piece in existence.

[@chrissansum]

This is fantastic. I recently bought a spinet, a Hitchcock copy, and have been trying a lot of early music recently, although nothing this early. A really accessible piece considering its age. I find the stand on your instrument very interesting - I didn’t realise that people played these instruments standing up until I found your videos. As it happens the maker of my spinet has the option of a tall stand for playing standing up. Probably not something for my instrument, but out of curiosity, do you find it easier to play an instrument standing up?

[@ElaineComparone]

I'm not sure "easier" is the right word. I enjoy performing that way, but for practice, really learning something, I have to sit. Once I know the piece and plan to pay in public, I start to practice standing up. I have several instruments, so I enjoy the luxury of choice.

[@CodeNameParis]

Is this Hornepype the only keyboard music Hugh ever wrote? it might seem like it, but i suspect that some of his works are either unnamed or lost in time, such a shame really. For all we know some of his piece might as well be in the 'famous' Fitzvilliam Virginal Book, but with a Anonymous name!

[@joseflat]

Where can I find sheet music?

[@philidor2005]

Do I hear a little blues at 1:04? ;)

[@CodeNameParis]

you dont

[@fernwehn5925]

No

[@LaPrincesseEugenie]

Is it possible nowadays to purchase a harpsichord ?

[@ElaineComparone]

Absolutely! In some areas, it would be easy. (Cities) Where do you live?

[@LaPrincesseEugenie]

@@ElaineComparone Melbourne, Australia!

[@ElaineComparone]

@@LaPrincesseEugenie There's a guy from Australia who travels the world servicing harpsichords. Let me get back to you with his name. It's late now and I can't quite come up with it. Andrew somebody. I'll find him and get back to you.

[@ElaineComparone]

@@LaPrincesseEugenie I remembered the guy's name incorrectly. It's Carey Beebe, and you can find all his info online.

[@LaPrincesseEugenie]

@@ElaineComparone big thanks ! I am a violin player, and I have been considering to enrol in harpsichord lessons for a while now, no idea on how hard it would be to find a teacher😄 thank you for taking the time to reply back, Mrs. Comparone! Your harpsichord skills are truly inspiring !

[@zzzwy777]

who cares kings , lovely little song , thank you lady .

[@scottjop656]

@harpsinth angry elephant? its a friggin harpsichord! loud or soft there bud. it aint a piano.

[@dadomagico100]

perche suona in piedi?

[@atmurstokesfineart4988]

Horrible interpretation of this wonderful Hornepype! Way to fast tempo. It is played on a harpsichord, so why are you beating as if were a piano?

[@Cl0taire]

Since it is a pinched string instrument, strength does not count. No modulation is possible on an harpsichord, unlike a piano.

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

True, but to compensate for having no dynamic expression, harpsichordists employ lots of embellishments and ornaments such as trills, mordents, turns etc. such ornaments need strength and dexterity which equal or even surpass those needed to play the piano.

[@atmurstokes3274]

I begin this work at a much slower tempo. Then, at each following section I increase the tempo. I then end the last section at a very rapid tempo. The dramatic effect is astounding! What a wonderful work of music! I must have lived a prior life in the Renaissance! I play on a copy of the Pascal Taskin harpsichord of 1769 made by John Watson when he was 23 years old. He, now a bit older, is curator of ancient instruments at Colonial Williamsburg, VA.

[@caesarsneezer6992]

I remember you. Didnt I see you in Leeds in 1732?