Christopher D. Lewis - Academic & Harpsichordist
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 “Kudos to Lewis for exploring a fascinating corner of 20th-century harpsichord history in the right way" ​- Gramophone Magazine

“[Lewis] plays brilliantly, bringing out the color and humor of the music. His enthusiasm is infectious, and this album is the only place to get some of this delightful music.’"– American Record Guide

“Christopher D Lewis’ technique is very fine with superb precision and articulation." -  The Classical Reviewer
Instruments:
  • Pleyel Harpsichord from the 1930s originally purchased by the Eaton Auditorium in Toronto.
  • Flemish double harpsichord by Kevin Fryer, San Francisco, 1997. Based on the work of Ionnes Ruckers, 1638. ​
Naxos: 20th Century Harpsichord Music (2015)

Release Date: 1 September, 2015
Christopher D. Lewis (Harpsichord) 
Norbert Kraft & Bonnie Silver (Producers)
Catalogue Number: Naxos 8.573364

Francis Poulenc - Suite Francaise
Jean Francaix - Pieces pour Clavecin
Bohuslav Martinu - 2 Impromptus, Harpsichord Sonata, 2 Pieces
Louis Durey - 10 Inventions

One of the pioneers of the 20th-century resurrection of interest in the harpsichord was the great virtuoso Wanda Landowska who assisted in the development of a harpsichord built by Pleyel of Paris. Performing on a 1930's Pleyel harpsichord, Christopher Lewis has chosen a programme of 20th-century works by French or French-based composers. Poulenc's colourful Suite Francaise is followed by Francaix's exciting and previously unrecorded Deux Pieces. Martinu's lyricism and intesity of expression can be heard in the Sonata and other pieces while Louis Durey's piquant Dix Inventions is both a homage to Bach's Two-Part inventions and a work whose compositional technique is firmly rooted in the modern era.
​
Listen to a Naxos Podcast about this recording here

Naxos catalogue listing & online streaming available here
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Harpsichordist Christopher D. Lewis and producer Norbert Kraft, discuss notes during recording session of 20th Century Harpsichord Music for Naxos Records, San Francisco, 2014. (Photo: Drew Kelly)
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​Christopher D. Lewis

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