Recorded in 2012 in Namur on the very fine 1751 Henri Hemsch harpsichord, which would have belonged to the royal officer (or fermier général) La Pouplinière, this selection of works by Rameau is particularly apt and pleasing, as it is quite likely that this sumptuous instrument was played several times by the composer himself.
Japanese harpsichordist Mutsiko Miwa studied in Tokyo before coming to Europe for a long stay at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent first as a student and then as a teacher. She was also invited to lecture in the Research Institute attached to the Flanders Opera House. Mutsuko Miwa now lives in Paris and performs at numerous festivals. She regularly plays with the Il Fondamento ensemble directed by Paul Dombrecht
. This double album includes the Premier Livre of 1706 in its entirety, as well as the Suite in E Minor that opens the Deuxième Livre of 1724, followed by several pieces from the Suite in D Major from the Nouvelles Suites (Troisième livre) of 1728. But it is a shame that this is not a full recording of the complete works, as Mutsiko Miwa's playing creates a sense of melancholy that brings Rameau closer to the spirit of Couperin, 15 years his senior, although some of the former's pieces (Premier Livre) predate the works of François Le Grand. © François Hudry/Qobuz