Bertrand Cuiller - Mr Tomkins his Lessons of Worthe (2011) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

Thomas Tomkins may be the least known of the composers recorded here, but we unique insights to the Worcester composer, as his autograph manuscripts have been preserved in his own hand, in particular Re.1122 in the Bibiothèque National in Paris. This recording takes Tomkins advice to a copyist, or ‘lessons of worthe’, and applies it to a recital programme: “placed in their owne native keyes: not mingling or mangling them together wth others of contrary keys: But put in theyr Right places.” The pieces in G are played on a copy by Malcolm Rose of the harpsichord built by Lodewijk Theeuwes in 1579, now in the V & A; those is D are on a claviorgan. This hybrid instrument combines a harpsichord and an organ, both operated from the harpsichord keyboard. Here an Italian harpsichord by Philippe Humeau is coupled with a positive organ by Etienne Fouss. Lastly, the pieces in A are performed on a magnificent invention by the builder Philippe Humeau, a diminutive Italian harpsichord in sequoia with 8’ and 4’ stops.

“Anyone still sceptical about the expressive potential of the harpsichord should be converted by this subtle and gentle survey of great 17th-century pieces…Cuiller is a master of the ebb and flow of harpsichord sound, the sustained resonance and eloquent overlapping of notes” (The Observer)

“This is an ingenious programme, ordered by keys and instruments. All the pieces are selected by Thomas Tomkins's list of 'Lessons of Worthe' - and his endorsement is worthy of respect…A 58-minute disc seems rather parsimonious but, within it, Cuiller displays a remarkable range of colour.” (BBC Music Magazine)

“The wealth of colour is welcome, and Cuiller's masterful playing on the claviorganum makes one wish more harpsichordists would explore the instrument. Cuiller deftly manages the wild timbral contrasts of this hybrid instrument, using it to emphasise and clarify the counterpoint…He also has the imagination and essential command of the virginal idiom to make music that can come alive with an almost folksy directness.” (Gramophone)

Tracklist:
01. Chromatic Pavan (Queen Elizabeth’s): Chromatic Pavan (Queen Elizabeth’s)
02. Chromatic Galliard: Chromatic Galliard
03. Offertory: Offertory
04. Robin Hood: Robin Hood
05. Pavan Sir William Petre: Pavan Sir William Petre
06. Galliard Sir William Petre: Galliard Sir William Petre
07. Felix namque: Felix Namque
08. Ut, ré, mi, fa, sol, la (for a beginner): Ut, ré, mi, fa, sol, la (for a beginner)
09. In Nomine (Gloria Tibi Trinitas: The First): In Nomine (Gloria Tibi Trinitas: The First)
10. Ground MB 40: Ground MB 40
11. Fantasia MB 11: Fantasia MB 11

Composers:
Bull, John (?1562-1628)
Byrd, William (1540(?)-1623)
Tallis, Thomas (c.1505-85)
Tomkins, Thomas (1572-1656)

Personnel:
Bertrand Cuiller, harpsichord