Sabathil & Son Harpsichord - professional recording

[rh7189]

Not my cup of tea. Prefer Flemish harpsichord sound, more delicate

[hbmp88]

I am in love with baroque and the sound of this instrument. I am going to buy one once I feel secure in spending the money :)

[cama9103]

omg this is just pure awesomness!

[harmonicbarbie]

@cama9103 Thank you! I think so, too :)

[lichtbroeder]

I am so IMPRESSED by the sound of this instrument! Beautifully expressive, warm and majestic, all at the same time. Isn't it wonderful that harpsichords didn't disappear altogether? I'm thankful for revival harpsichords, which paved the way for the making of more accurate instruments, and for makers to day, such as Sabathil, who keep tradition and excellence alive. (And no, I do not work for Sabathil. :) - Hans

[BillBC]

I played one of these Sabathils, the model with the 16' stop, years ago, and this brings back memories. Some people knock this sound as unauthentic, but I've always rather enjoyed it...the King of Harpsichords... I owned a small one for a while.

[harmonicbarbie]

@BillBC Neat to hear from someone who played one of our Bach instruments; they're certainly a rarity these days! Thanks for the great compliment, "King of Harpsichords"; my father will love that :)

[williamrmorrison]

@harmonicbarbie ...I bought the small one (8+4) in 1969, and the "King" was several years older than that....

[giu13pet]

FANTASTIC!!!

[harmonicbarbie]

@giu13pet Thank you...so glad you enjoyed it!

[PaxOmnibus]

I used to think a harpsichord was just an accompaniment to baroque music, a background instrument. After hearing harpsichord music on youtube, I realize the harpsichord is a majestic instrument in its own right. The songs in this audio/video sound similar to pipe organ music to me. One day I plan on buying a harpsichord, once I am able to save up enough money.

[sleighte]

please re-release this album! the power from 5:40 to 6:00 is PHENOMENAL!

[cowandchicken]

definately want that when i win the lotto ;)

[vikingmerijn]

5:40 is sooo impressive! Incredible!

[bubbelah]

i can't see a 16' on the harpsichord, but i can hear..

[J88am]

MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!

(instrument and performer)

Please let us know if it becomes available again.

So inspiring...thanks.

[harmonicbarbie]

Thank you...glad you enjoyed it! We will let you know if we re-release the album.

[chriswales19]

A fine example of the superb instruments that Sabathil & Son produce. The sound of the 16' is quite remarkable in these recordings. WANT!

[Thrakir]

DO WANT.

[ngroschen]

Just an amazing instrument, and an amazing player. The Cuckoo blows me away.

[harmonicbarbie]

The Cuckoo has always been one of my favourites, too...the speed he plays it at is stunning!

[alexioco]

Is that first piece by bach in the style of Rococo?

[harmonicbarbie]

I am not sure if it is in the style of Rococo, although it is from the 5th French Suite. Here is how this piece is described on the album: "The Gavotte...is composed in a straightforward dance form, with an easily remembered melody, square cut rhythm, well balanced phrases, and overall harmonic clarity."

[alexioco]

Thank you very much, can you or anyone lead me to a piece of music that is purly in the rocco style because am very interested in it and I know that early mozart and haydn have traces of it and also that couperin does too but I havnt actually heard a piece that is said to be in the rococo style and would very much like to hear one, thank you very much.

[silverdalesapphires]

Francois Couperin, Jean-Philippe Rameau and CPE Bach are typical of what is loosely termed "Rococo". Listen to Rameau's pieces such as L'enharmonique and you can hear the daring experimentation with chromaticism and tonal ambiguity that would later be exploited by Haydn & Mozart.

[861147]

Almost sounds like an organ playing!

[Tat2NY]

I found my album..... the harpsichordist James Bonn. I've never heard the LP as I don't have a turntable. If this is the same recording its fantastic.... who cares about the historical correctness all the time, for the shear exuberant musicality this cant be beat. I want a Bach II now. I wish you had photos of the Bach to put up too. I think Richard Nixon played a Sabathil Bach.... so that made him awesome in my view (Watergate or not)

[harmonicbarbie]

That is definitely the album that these pieces are from! "Sheer exuberant musicality" describes this album beautifully! If I could conjure up a Bach II for you now, I would. I'll certainly let you know if we ever come across one for sale. I will also see if I can dig up some more photos of the instrument, though it seems there are few. Had not heard about Nixon playing a Bach, but we did sell one to the White House Marine Core Band sometime around 1972.

[NaitsabesWinklersson]

This is the most amazing harpsichord sound I've yet heard. It almost sounds unreal.

If there is a possibility to get this recording plz let me know.

[harmonicbarbie]

Thanks - really glad you liked it! We are working on re-releasing the album, so I will make sure to let you know when that happens.

[reptila98]

why do you want to sale the harpsichord? THe sound is sublime!!!!I've never heard such beautiful sounds!!!!Bravo!!!Bravìsimo

[Gonnakillyou]

Because it's their business to sell the clavicembalos they build. ;)

[Tat2NY]

I have one LP i bought recently because it had a 10' Sabathil on the cover..... A beige cover with a sepia harpsichord image. I've never heard it as i dont have a turntable... Maybe this is the same recording? It's be great to rerelease it

[harmonicbarbie]

Interesting! If the album is called "Harpsichord Encores", it's the one that the pieces from this video are from.

[Tat2NY]

I love the sound of this harpsichord. I have never heard a Sabathil Bach before.... i can see why so many people and institutions bought this type of concert harpsichord in the 60's the sound is REALLY impressive. I would love to see photos of the Bach harpsichord. I wish more people appreciated the majesty of this type of harpsichord.

[harmonicbarbie]

Thanks for your feedback! You obviously know a bit about our instruments. Not everyone appreciates that we innovated beyond traditional design and used metal frames, but those who love our instruments *really* love them. If I can dig up any photos of the Bach II I'll definitely let you know. We're also thinking of re-releasing the entire album that these pieces are from...it's a fantastic compilation!

[Tat2NY]

The harpsichord in the recording sounds GREAT..... but it must be a LOT bigger than the harpsichord youre showing in the photos. What does this harpsichord we're hearing look like?

[harmonicbarbie]

Very perceptive of you! The harpsichord in the recording was our model "Bach II", which was 10 feet in length. It had a metal frame, lower manual 16' and 8' with a 16' lute (theorbo) and 8' lute; upper manual nasal 8' and 4' with 8' lute; and five pedals. The length allowed the used of unwrapped strings down to the lowest note.

[goldclub24]

Truly amazing sound. It sounds like there is more than one instrument being played here.

What an incredible range and wonderful tones.

I am listening with headphones and keep playing it over.

Puts me in a great mood to write as I listen without being a distraction.

[harmonicbarbie]

Glad you enjoyed it, Gord. You're the second person to wonder if there is more than one instrument being played...but it's just the one harpsichord!

[jpq47]

What a great Sound and A Beautiful Instrument

[harmonicbarbie]

Thanks...much appreciated!