Pieces de clavessin is the only available critical edition of Gaspard Le Roux’s 1705 publication. It contains a cycle of seven suites that represent some of the most charming harpsichord pieces of the Grand siècle. A substantial preface dissects what we thought we knew about Le Roux and, by examining surviving records, a more plausible account has been provided. Also discussed is the genesis of the volume, the other surviving print and manuscript sources, and Le Roux’s instructions for the suites’ performance on two harpsichords or as trio sonatas. An erudite section by a leading authority on French baroque music, David Ledbetter, discusses ornamentation and performance practice.

Review snippets:

"In a long preface, historical records, past assumptions, misunderstandings and mistakes are pursued with forensic skill and persistence …"

Derek Adlam
– National Early Music Association Journal

"L’appareil critique est excellent, laissant deviner à la fois la rigueur et l’enthousiasme de J. Baxendale."

Pascal Tuffery
– Clavecin en France

* Seven suites for solo harpsichord
* Duo for two harpsichords
* Full critical commentary
* Extensive background notes
* Notes on performance by David Ledbetter
* Formerly published by Cantando Musikkforlag AS