Allemande from French Suite No. 1 in D Minor (French Suites)
Last updated April 3, 2025
I made some incremental improvements from the previous recording: marginally more pronounced dynamics, smoother trills, and better familiarity with the piece. Basically, I think I need to keep practicing slightly past the point of boredom, and then the piece can be considered ready. I am clearly very into Allemandes in general, and this one may be my favourite from the French Suites.
I am experimenting a bit with rubato for the harpsichord version (with Baroque tuning and Werckmeister temperament) to accentuate the natural flow of the music.
Swan Lake with the National Ballet
Last updated March 12, 2025
I caught another Tirion Law performance, this time of Swan Lake. The National Ballet really has gorgeous costumes and staging. My absolute favourite part was the first half of the Pas de six - Variation II (Andante con moto), danced as a Pas de deux. I wish I had a recording from the performance, the orchestra took a slower than usual tempo and made it heartbreakingly tender. The first time I listened to this ballet suite was when I gained an appreciation for the beauty of the oboe. A close second would be the virtuosic Russian Dance, it reminds me a lot of a Paganini Caprice actually.
Sinfonia 13 in A Minor (Inventions and Sinfonias)
Last updated January 2, 2025
I am starting the new year with a cute little piece to get back into regular practicing.
Here is the customary harpsichord version in Baroque tuning and Werckmeister temperament.