Скачать или смотреть Jean-Philippe Rameau - La Villageoise [Albano Berberi, harpsichord]

Although my final intention is to upload a full recording of Jean-Philippe Rameau's complete suite in E minor soon, I could not resist sharing a live, unedited recording of my favorite movement from this gorgeous set of pieces as a teaser of things to come! La Villageoise is sort of an anomaly in the suite, as it comes after a boisterous tambourine that could very easily be a finale instead. Nevertheless, it seems that Rameau intended to leave both performer and audience alike with an altogether different taste in their ears. At first glance, La Villageoise is little more than a quaint little tune with variations. Yet to me, it is all too easy to hear in it the sounds of a plaintive young man, thinking of a village maiden for whom he yearns. the enormous register gap between the two hands at the second half of the tune seems to indicate a futility, a sense of unattainability. The variation of the tune, as it were, offers a view into the turmoil of emotions that, to me, are often trademarks of unrequited love. There is a sense of agitation, of unfulfilled desire that swirls in and around the music as the main theme reoccurs, before it all ends in a manner as inevitable as one's heart inevitably moves on from an impossible romance. Perhaps Rameau had this in mind... More likely this is just me imposing my own ideas onto the music. One thing is for sure... This is definitely one piece that leaves one with a lot to think about!

Recorded on my French double-manual harpsichord, after Taskin 1769-1770 instruments.
Tuning: A=403HZ, modified meantone temperament.As always, comments and/or constructive criticism are always welcomed and appreciated. Enjoy!