Credits:

Aya Hamada

Description:

Aya Hamada, harpsichordist based in New YorkA richly coloured and finely detailed Bach albumNew York-based harpsichordist Aya Hamada has built this programme around two themes: transcription and improvisation. From the Clavier-bung II come the Italian Concerto, which recasts for solo keyboard the Italian concerto style with its alternation of solo and tutti, and the Overture in the French style, which adopts the manner of the French orchestral suite. The early Toccata is a work containing free, improvisatory writing. The recital closes with the Chaconne in the version by Skip Semp, an improvisation made while reading from the violin score, which Hamada, deeply struck by his recording, transcribed by ear. Every piece is filled with Hamada’s singing line, and the playing is a delight: the charming, delicate colours of her lighter passagework, the rich legato of the cantabile writing, and the fine q