Bob van Asperen plays Renaissance music on historical Virginals

[@nobodyplaylists]

I hope some day more people get interested in this beautiful instrument.

[@harrymckeithen3474]

When heart or mind are troubled, I find sure solace here. My thanks to all who had a hand in making or sharing this.

[@sneddley]

Aside from the compelling, inspired artistry of the performer, I so much prefer the rounded, mellow sound of this instrument over the tone and heavier mechanics in the sound of virtually all harpsichords I have heard. After just a few minutes of most harpsichords, I get a headache and need an Asperen.

[@andreamundt]

good one! : D

[@excelsior999]

Try Aspirin.

[@violjohn]

Lol

[@mewsdo]

So good. Bob commands all the expressive devices that a plucked keyboard offers... A joy to listen to.

[@DavidFoxDotCom]

Thank you for the upload and for taking the time to create the linked track list!!

[@wandalewlandowska]

A brilliant recording which ought not have been allowed to go oop. Thank you for posting!

[@OfficialWorldChampion]

i love the mother and child instrument. The Towsend virginal surprised me as i had not heard it before

[@paulcaswell2813]

What technique on the English example! Notoriously dodgy at the best of times, BvA makes the instrument sound as if it was perfectly set up. The great test of a player - how does he sound when playing a less than perfect instrument - well, Bob passes with more than flying colours. Exquisite.

[@pauljames74]

Beautifully played, beautiful instruments

[@etienneleuridan3547]

Superbe et quel beau tableau ! ! ! Merci ! ! !

[@laurentcesari]

Rarissime. Merci

[@marcussfebruary9104]

This is such a great recording, absolutely beautiful but what has captured my interest is the sound at 36:00 that playing along with the harpsichord?? Is that the harpsichord or another instrument, I'd love if anyone could enlighten me. ❤️❤️❤️

[@joannescouchet7038]

That's the "Arpicordium" stop of the virginal! Basically, an effect created by making the strings vibrate against a small metal hooks. He also uses it throughout "My Lady Carey's Dompe "

[@marcussfebruary9104]

@@joannescouchet7038 my goodness. How amazing!

[@marcussfebruary9104]

You learn something new each day.

[@martesmuerto]

@@joannescouchet7038 I was looking for this exact answer, thanks so much for the upload and information, this kind of sounds melt my heart!

[@raulfarias9565]

Wonderful ........y....... .

[@meilinchan7314]

Somehow these older pieces are more mellow, and less jarring on the ear.

[@andremarcdelcourt]

🌈💫

[@robertstewart6956]

👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@jimbo2629]

Hey Johannes, I’ve copied one of your harpsichords. You must be getting on a bit now. What pills are you on, or are you a descendent? Great video on original instruments.

[@joannescouchet7038]

Well, Jim, which instrument of mine did you copy? I'm still very much alive and kicking, although a bit worse for wear after 400 years. And certainly too old to build more harpsichords! :)

[@jimbo2629]

Joannes Couchet 1645 single manual from the Russell collection in Edinburgh, England.