Review: Christophe Rousset

Continuing the Baroque aesthetic of this year’s Classical programme, renowned French harpsichordist Christophe Rousset performed to a full house in St. John’s Priory at Sunday lunch time.

For those that don’t know, Rousset teaches Harpsichord at the Accademia Chigiana in Sienna and has recorded the works of Bach, Rameau and Francois Couperin amongst others.

And it is Couperin and his uncle Louis that Rousset tackles in today’s performance beginning with the latter’s Suite in D Minor – a movement of eight pieces that Rousset tackles with vibrancy and flair.

He is, in truth, a very charming performer and the audience seem genuinely enraptured as he plays flawlessly through the entire suite.

After rapturous applause, Rousset moves his attention to the more well known Francois and his Seventeenth Orde. Though much of Francois’ music is more to do with the relationship between the performer and the instrument, Rousset’s passionate playing style allows the audience to feel very much part of the performance.

Christophe Rousset is an immensely talented performer and musician and his treatment of Louis’ Suite in C Minor and Francois’ Eight Ordre were just as reverential and passionate as the opening two movements.
 

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