Early Music (2007)

Early keyboard music

[...] I had the pleasure of reviewing Léon Berben's recording of Praetorius organ works in the August 2006 issue of EM, so I was prepared to expect something special on receiving his CD devoted to the works of the brothers Hassler, Hans Leo and Jacob-Hassler: Ich gieng einmal spatieren (Ramée RAM 0501, rec 2005, 79'). I was not disappointed. Berben plays on the superb Franciscus Patavinus harpsichord of 1561, now in the Deutsches Museum collection in Munich. Like many instruments of its age it has suffered alterations and loss over the years; the most significant musical difference is the keyboard range, which was originally C/E-f''', but is now G/B-c''', in all probability coupled with a change of string material from iron to brass. Many Italian harpsichords typically lost their 4' in favour of a second 8' register during a rebuild of this nature, but the Franciscus still has the octave register, and an exceptionally beautiful one it is, too. In a well-researched booklet text Berben suggests that this actual harpsichord could have been played by the Hassler brothers during their period of employment with the Fugger family in Augsburg. A family inventory of 1566 lists four instruments by Franciscus, and the description of one matches the recorded harpsichord closely. In addition to a toccata and contrapuntal pieces by Jacob Hassler, Berben has recorded Hans Leo's astonishing set of 31 variations on 'Ich gieng einmal spatieren', one of those evergreen tunes known variously as 'Von Gott will ich nicht lassen', 'Almande de la Nonette', 'Une vierge pucelle' and in England, 'The Queen's Alman', famously set by Byrd. This piece, lasting an astonishing 42 minutes, is an impressive display of contrapuntal artifice, and deserves to be much better known. Berben's playing is thoughtful and accomplished, with just the occasional hint of a heavier organist's touch. [...]

Paul Simmonds