Iberian Harpsichord Concertos

Description

In February 2015, La Tempestad presented in the “Universo Barroco” cicle of the Auditorio Nacional de Madrid a revival, in modern times and with historically informed performance, of M. Narro’s Concerto for harpsichord and G. B. Pergolesi’s Concerto for two harpsichords. Completing the programme were some sonatas for the examinations for the Royal Chapel in Madrid, edited by Judith Ortega, who at the time reminded us about the existence of another Hispanic concerto for harpsichord: the one by José Palomino. While Narro’s concerto received warm praise, Pergolesi’s piece turned out to be the surprise of the night, as said by both audience and critics. Knowing the quality of the music, we also felt the need to show and defend a language which was very different from that of the harpsichord concerts by Bach, Haendel or their peers. From the brightness of the early Italian virtuosity – which shared so many ties with Spain and Portugal – to 18th century popular dance, the colour of the south, the echoes of the strummed guitar or the influence of Scarlatti’s writing, everything adds up to these concertos which are fresh, nonchalant and crisp. We therefore decided to record them. As far as we know, this is the first ever CD recording of the concertos by Narro and Pergolesi, as well as the first recording on the harpsichord of Palomino’s concerto.