DCD34039-CD

Instruments from the Russell Collection Vol II

Edinburgh University’s Russell Collection is one of the world’s finest collections of early keyboard instruments. The second volume in John Kitchen’s ongoing project to bring its musical exhibits to life matches music by Handel, Purcell, the Scottish composer Robert Bremner and others including Mozart’s son Franz Xaver with a gloriously vigorous menagerie of spinets, virginals, chamber organs, clavichords and harpsichords.

"a supreme achievement … Every one a gem, as are Kitchen’s stylishly bright performances"

"The music has been well chosen to highlight salient features of the particular instruments and that, rather than particular profundity of expression, has been the guiding spirit."

"Dr Kitchen's playing is idiomatic, insightful and fluent. This disc is an admirable introduction to this important resource."

EARLY MUSIC

"The versatility required to jump from instrument to instrument in this type of recording is remarkable enough but to do it with the musicality and assurance that Kitchen manages here is breathtaking."

EARLY MUSIC FORUM OF SCOTLAND

"Not the least of John Kitchen’s qualifications is his ability to record harpsichords, clavichords, pianos and organs to an equal level, especially on instruments hundreds of years old. Another virtue is that Dr Kitchen’s consistent manner of performance becomes a norm whereby the instruments themselves are shown to their best advantage."

SOUNDBOARD

Producer: Paul Baxter
Venue: St Cecilia's Hall, Edinburgh
Recording Dates: 13-15 April 2005
Release Date: 13 February 2006
Catalogue No: DCD34039
Total playing time: 1:17:22

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