Bach’s Dueling Harpsichords

We are so thrilled to welcome the exceptional harpsichordist and pedagogue Arthur Haas to the Sebastians this November. Arthur’s countless accolades include the top prize in the 1975 Paris harpsichord competition, numerous recordings, and performances around the world, and he has taught a generation of harpsichordists at the Eastman School, SUNY-Stony Brook, Mannes School of Music, and Yale University.

The harpsichord is perhaps the iconic instrument of the baroque, and there is an extensive repertoire of music for multiple harpsichords that is often neglected—for one thing, harpsichords are not easy to find, move, and tune! For this exciting project, the Sebastians will feature two glorious instruments by noted harpsichord builder Allan Winkler, one in the French style (based on a 1765 instrument by François-Etienne Blanchet II) and the other in the German style (based on a 1716 instrument by Carl Conrad Fleischer). Arthur Haas and Jeffrey Grossman will perform a playful dance suite by Gaspard Le Roux, as well as two contrasting “double concertos.” J.S. Bach’s concerto, BWV 1062, is his own arrangement of the better-known double violin concerto which the Sebastians performed to great acclaim last season. The music takes on a completely different color when it is two harpsichords playing tennis! C.P.E. Bach’s concerto, Wq 46, is a beautiful example of the nascent galant style. The second movement is particularly special: Bach directs the strings to play with mutes, for a unique, beautiful color. Rounding out the program are works by French contemporaries Rameau and Leclair. We have really enjoyed creating this special program, and we can’t wait to share this feast with you.

Join us as Arthur Haas and Jeffrey Grossman go head-to-head with the Sebastians strings in a thrilling concert for two harpsichords and twelve hands!