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Stanchinsky is Gramophone's Editor's Choice
The short-lived Russian pianist and composer Alexey Stanchinsky was playing in public by age six and was highly regarded in all the musical activities he undertook. Swedish pianist Peter Jablonski has recorded an album with selected Stanchinsky works for the Ondine label, a recording that was recently selected as Gramophone's Editor's Choice of May 2021. Piano Street talked to Jablonski about the young forgotten composer and his works. Read more >>

Topic: Joan Benson, clavichord player  (Read 1376 times)

Offline Derek

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Joan Benson, clavichord player
on: October 08, 2015, 12:56:43 AM
I got the following book not too long ago:
https://www.amazon.com/Clavichord-Beginners-Publications-Early-Institute/dp/0253011582/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444265600&sr=8-1&keywords=clavichord+for+beginners

partly because I've become an avid clavichordist as well as pianist. But, the book also came with a cd of Joan Benson's playing on clavichord AND fortepiano. There are some *really* beautiful recordings on here. Some of the colors possible on a fortepiano are so fascinating relative to the modern piano. That thing you move with your knee to soften the color almost like an una corda? I forget what it is called right now but she uses it in the intro to mozart's fantasy in D minor...gorgeous. There's also a second movement of a Haydn sonata on here where she employs this device again. Her pianissimo is softer than I think I've ever heard from any other performer. Maybe due to her clavichord playing? I heard John Cage's "in a landscape" again and this time, gave me newfound respect for the composer. I don't know if I'll ever sit down and listen to all his avante garde creations, but this little piece is really, very beautiful.

Offline hardy_practice

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Re: Joan Benson, clavichord player
Reply #1 on: October 08, 2015, 07:09:10 AM
I think you're referring to the moderator.  I'm thinking of making a purchase - David Hitchin doesn't think much of her clavichord though.
B Mus, PGCE, DipABRSM

Offline Derek

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Re: Joan Benson, clavichord player
Reply #2 on: October 10, 2015, 12:26:42 AM
Who is David Hitchin? The name sounds familiar. I like the ton of her clavichord(s). I believe on the cd there are two clavichords represented. One I think is either Verwolf or Goff, of the mid-20th century school of clavichord building which I think was still considered "revivalist." But it has a really nice tone---I absolutely adore the Froberger and CPE bach recordings on this cd.

Offline hardy_practice

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Re: Joan Benson, clavichord player
Reply #3 on: October 10, 2015, 08:21:05 AM
David Hitchin is the webmaster for BCS amongst other things.  his review

Attached my Froberger (edit: and some CPE).  A bit quiet - it's a clavichord!  Why don't you post one of Ms Benson's Frobergers?  Love to hear it.
B Mus, PGCE, DipABRSM
 

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