This documentary accompanies Richard Lester’s book: ‘Girolamo Frescobaldi A Variety of Inventions’ published by Peacock Press. The film demonstrates early fingering techniques and ornamentation with performances of works by Andrea Gabrieli and Claudio Merulo. Also included are examples of Frescobaldi’s music on the Costanzo Antegnati organ (1588) in the Church of San Nicola, San Salvatore in Northern Italy, plus a performance of Toccata Nona on a harpsichord by Giovanni Battista Boni (1619); instruments that the composer may well have played. There is also a link to Richard Lester’s harpsichord recordings of Frescobaldi’s works available either on Spotify, or from Nimbus Records sales@wyastone.co.uk

Richard’s five volumes of Frescobaldi’s work are available to buy here: https://www.richardlester.org.uk/discography/girolamo-frescobaldi/

Richard Lester performs harpsichord music by Padre Antonio Soler, a Spanish monk inspired by the folk song and dance of his native land; a tradition that sowed the seeds of Flamenco. In this fascinating programme Richard Lester explores Iberian folk elements in Soler’s harpsichord music.

A Bolero, Polo, Flamenco song (cante) and the sensational Fandango, are vividly revealed through the medium of dance. Choreographed by Dame Marina Keet de Grut, the great authority on Spanish dance, versions of the Fandango are performed to the accompaniment of Soler’s music.

Dancers: Conchita del Campo, Franchesca Frölich, Paul Rooney and Ruan Crighton.

Harpsichord: Richard Lester Directed and choreographed by Dame Marina Keet.