Category Archives: Harpsichord

Cibells and Cebells

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Jonathan B. Hall

. A strange title appears in some English keyboard scores of the latter 17th century. A number of pieces are titled “Cibell” or “Cebell,” or allude to that name in their title (as in Purcell’s “Trumpet tune, called the Cibell”). … Continue reading →

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Purcell, Croft, Bach

Posted on December 12, 2018 by Jonathan B. Hall

Among other things, I’ve been playing a good deal of English keyboard music. Specifically, I’ve been focusing on Henry Purcell and William Croft. Part of my renewed harpsichord journey has been a re-appreciation of the keyboard suite. It is just … Continue reading →

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Il Transilvano

Posted on August 21, 2018 by Jonathan B. Hall

I ordered what I thought was a modern edition of Diruta’s classic text, Il Transilvano (The Transylvanian). This is a book on keyboard performance–organ and harpsichord. Its “spooky” title describes its picaresque hero, a young Transylvanian rube who comes to … Continue reading →

Posted in Arthur, Baroque Music, Church, Harpsichord, Music History, Music Theory, Pipe Organ | Comments Off

Listening to Glenn Gould

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Jonathan B. Hall

On the stereo: the Goldberg Variations, Glenn Gould, 1981 version. This version came out when I was in college, and my good friend Doug Dower turned me on to it. I wore out the cassette tape. I’m pretty sure we … Continue reading →

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Harpsichord Check-in

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Jonathan B. Hall

It’s been a busy time, musically speaking. The concert given by the Tower Trio last Sunday, in Goshen, NY, was a big success. The audience responded generously with a free-will offering that will cover some necessary organ work. Wonderful! The … Continue reading →

Posted in Baroque Music, Dretzel Project, Harpsichord, Music, Music History, Music Theory, Recitals | Comments Off

Concert on Sunday

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Jonathan B. Hall

This Sunday, the Tower Trio will perform at the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, New York. Program is at 3 PM and is free, though offerings are gladly received. A simple reception follows. The Tower Trio consists of the founders … Continue reading →

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Harpsichord Envy

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Jonathan B. Hall

I went on YouTube to comb for performances on Italian harpsichords. I found a performance of Girolamo Diruta’s Toccata di salto cativo nel sesto tuono. The name prepares one to listen for some sort of “bad leap” (salto cativo) involving … Continue reading →

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Dretzel Update

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Jonathan B. Hall

The Divertimento Armonico of Cornelius Heinrich Dretzel settles into an Italian harpsichord perfectly. The italophilia of Nuremberg is borne out in this piece, and the bright, clear, affirmative tone of my new harpsichord is serving it well. At the same … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Jonathan B. Hall

It’s Christmas Day. I came home after a very successful Christmas Eve service at the Presbyterian church, and an intimate and joyful Midnight Mass in the village. Attendance was down at the latter because of storm warnings, but there was … Continue reading →

Posted in Baroque Music, Church, Country, Food, Friends, Fun and Games, Harpsichord, Music, Seasons of the Year | Comments Off

Harpsichord Diary III

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Jonathan B. Hall

I’ve been looking online for performances on Italian harpsichords, and have found quite a few. My gut feelings have been validated. I’ve got my hands on a really good instrument. The characteristic prompt and bright response, full of harmonics, ideal … Continue reading →

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