Transcribing without betraying – In the 18th century, playing harpsichord pieces on the harp was not common being reserved for the few rare virtuosi who took pride in being able to perform them without changing a note. Many of the pieces recorded here have not needed to be altered in any way, – only a few have demanded a few adjustments in order to sound convincing on the harp. Enharmonique is one of those. It is as faithful as possible to the original harpsichord notation. So this is not really a transcription, but a form of interpretation that takes advantage of the change in instrumental colour that the harp affords. The strings, still plucked, are more resonant with a rounded timbre that poeticises Rameau’s evocative works. The warm and precise timbre of a modern French harp (Carmac) is perfectly suited to this repertoire. Because of a new left hand technique, developed to strip away the characteristic resonance of the bass line of the harp, Rameau’s luscious harmonies and dense French ornamentation can be heard with great clarity.
