Jean Rondeau records 'Vertigo' for harpsichord (Royer)

'Vertigo': album out February 2016.
France’s leading young harpsichordist performs works by two masters of the French Baroque. No surprises there, perhaps … but the harpsichordist in question is Jean Rondeau and the album is called Vertigo. It conceives the harpsichord in vividly theatrical terms. Vertigo takes its name from a dramatic, rhapsodic piece by Joseph-Nicolas-Pancrace Royer, who, along with Jean-Philippe Rameau, forms the focus of this album (recorded in the sumptuous Château d'Assas on its magnificent harpsichord).

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[BlueManIan]

This is the most METAL thing I've ever heard on harpsichord!

[andrewmarvell]

That particular harpsichord leaves me at a loss for words.  It is an amazing instrument. (and so is the performer)

[paulweidig]

I have played this piece many times on my Henri Hemsch harpsichord. And I have listened to it played on several other instruments and by several other artists. None can compare to the exquisite interpretation, inspiration and passion with which Monsieur Rondeau has infused this miraculous composition.

[iansloan]

He was born to play that instrument. He leaves the listener breathless. A shattering experience.

[luuktorn]

Everyone who thinks the harpsichord cannot make any difference in dynamics, should watch this video

[ckb]

The harpsichord sounds very limited to many modern listeners used to concert grands, but great 18th century musicians poured their full passion into these little instruments. Rondeau gives us a wonderful sense of the emotion that the original harpsichordists brought to their playing.

[amrcg]

I almost had a stroke... The contrast between the delicate parts and the more rapid ones is fantastic.

[Ice_Karma]

A top-notch performance, by a top-notch performer, on a top-notch instrument, recorded and engineered by top-notch engineers. Kudos all around!

[mikebernardino]

This is SO f***ing metal 🤘🏻 Incredible piece and performance. The goosebumps I get are euphoric...and this recording? *chef's kiss*
It does an outstanding job of accentuating the power as well as the emotional diversity of the instrument. The soft passages sing, whereas the powerful ones pummel you into submission!

[cherenkov_blue]

This is perhaps one of the best period harpsichords in the world, recorded with some of the greatest equipment of our time.

Altogether an awe-inspiring performance, enough to give me goosebumps! Bravo.

[louisraphael]

I didn't know that a harpsichord would sound so powerful! I am absolutely amazed! :D

[infledermaus]

It's true! Bach said that if you put your fingers on the right keys at the right time, the instrument plays itself!

This young man is very gifted. How lucky I feel to visit his world for a few minutes. He's the best harpsichord player I've (ever) heard in all my years of listening to recordings and live performances of this instrument. Proud parents I guess, huh?

[theatavist]

Jean Rondeau gives me hope for a new generation of musical talent to revivify the classical world. Young people are turned off by the stodgy, uptight culture surrounding this music, and Jean actively defies that trend while delivering fiery interpretations of music that is often plagued by the sterile, clinical, and academic approach that is so popular today.

[danielwaitzman]

French Sturm und Drang—the music and the performer both. Gorgeous!

[cpanati]

Gorgeous all around.  The piece, the player, the video.  Perfection.

[elainecristinadesouzasouza]

The harpsichord: the perfect instrument of all!!!!

[skysetblue]

Just discovered this piece today I can’t believe what I’m hearing! Everything is so unbelievable. Thank you for uploading.

[AmandaVanQuakebeke]

I love the sound of the harpsichord, always have, always will. ❤️

[embenadorfinearts]

Jean Rondeau regenerates the art of the harpsichord in giving new insights musically as well as technically. He has it all with an astonishing liberty of expression. Composer - interpret - listener are a triangle that Rondeau makes his and with an intransigent aesthetic. This aesthetic is always different and interesting with nuances rarely heard on this instrument. His “naturalistic” interpretation makes wonders. Thank you for posting videos of this truly extraordinary interpret !

[GaryColemanNC]

The kid is blessed by mother nature, beyond all reason...