
Andrew Palmer, Group Editor
Classical Music: The Brüggen Project - Lucie Horsch
The Brüggen Project
Haydn Piano Trio in G Major, Hob. XV:25 ‘Gypsy Rondo: III. Rondo all'Ongarese. Presto (Arr. Farrington for Recorder, Violin, Cello & Harpsichord); Corelli Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": V. Allegro; Marcello: Oboe Concerto in D Minor, S. Z799: II. Adagio; J.S. Bach Keyboard Concerto No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053 (Arr. Brüggen/Horsch for Recorder); Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air; Partita No. 3 for Solo Violin in E Major, BWV 1006: VI. Gigue (Arr. Brüggen/Horsch for Recorder); Telemann: Trio Sonata in A Minor, TWV 42:a4: I. Largo, II Allegro; Fantasia No. 3 in B Minor, TWV 40:4: I. Largo – Vivace – Largo – Vivace; II. Allegro; Eyck: Der Fluyten Lust-hof, Vol. 1: Derde Daphne; Vol. 2: Boffons Hotteterre: L'art de préluder, Op. 7, Pt. 5: Prelude No. 3 in G Minor. Rondement; Prelude No. 2 in C Minor. Gay; Boismortier: Sonata for Flute and Violin, Op. 51 No. 2: IV. Gigha (Performed on Recorder); Couperin: Concert royaux, Quatrième concert in E Minor: V. Sarabande. Très tendrement; VI. Rigaudon. Légèrement, et marqué; VII. Forlane en rondeau. Gaiement; Chédeville: Il pastor fido, Sonata No. 6 in G Minor (Formerly Attrib. Vivaldi as RV 58): IV. Allegro ma non presto; Walsh: The Bird Fancyer's Delight: Bull Finch in F Major; Canary Bird in C Minor; Linnet in C Major; IV. Allegro
Lucie Horsch
The Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century
Rachel Podger (violin)
Tom Foster (harpsichord)
Albert Brüggen (cello)
Decca 4870642
https://www.deccaclassics.com/en/artists/lucie-horsch
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In a remarkable testament to the enduring allure of period instruments, Dutch recorder virtuoso Lucie Horsch has created something truly special with The Brüggen Project. Released to coincide with what would have been Frans Brüggen's 90th birthday, this recording stands as both a celebration of the legendary performer's legacy and a masterclass in historical performance practice.
What sets this album apart is Horsch's extraordinary deployment of fifteen different period recorders – ranging from sopranino to tenor – each bringing its own distinct voice to the carefully curated repertoire. The inherent fragility of these historical instruments adds an element of dramatic tension; some pieces could only sustain two complete takes before risking damage to these precious artifacts.
The programming is intelligently conceived, featuring works by Marcello, Corelli, and J.S. Bach. The latter's celebrated
Air from the
Third Orchestral Suite receives an interpretation of profound sensitivity, while Brüggen's own transcription of Bach's
Concerto in E major BWV 1053 emerges with fresh vitality. Throughout, Horsch's technical command and musical intuition shine through in performances of remarkable clarity and emotional directness.
She is supported by an exceptional ensemble of period specialists, including the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, cellist Albert Brüggen (Frans's nephew), the distinguished Baroque violinist Rachel Podger, and harpsichordist Tom Foster. Their collaborative music-making is characterised by crisp articulation and an infectious rhythmic vitality that never feels forced or mannered.
"It's as if there was no such thing as the recorder during this period," Horsch reflects, "rather, there was a multitude of recorders, each with its own sound qualities." This insight gets to the heart of what makes this recording so compelling. Her approach to these historical instruments is both scholarly and deeply intuitive, requiring what she candidly admits are sometimes unorthodox techniques to coax the finest sounds from these centuries-old instruments.
The result is nothing short of revelatory – a recording that combines historical authenticity with vivid musicianship, a disc that successfully marries technical excellence with such engaging musicality. The Brüggen Project offers a fresh perspective on familiar repertoire while showcasing the remarkable versatility of both performer and instruments.