The "Psyché" album traces the idea of the French lute style from its founder, Ennemond “le Vieux” Gaultier, through Jacques Gallot and Robert de Visée and, critically, on-wards to Germany and the "French" works of Weiss. A new perspective of Weiss is explored, one that is based on the rediscovered Harrach manuscript that contains Weiss's early compositions based on Gallot's magnificent "L'Amant malheureux". These pièces de luth of Weiss act as the central link that binds this baroque concept album together, and help us to re-position current understanding of lute music during the baroque era.

This recording is a genuine document of historical performance practice. The lute used was made by Martin Haycock, strung with gut strings made at Gamut Music, featuring Gimped basses, (a special type of bass string). From the first note, which pierces your heart like one of Cupid's arrows, Benjamin's virtuosity takes us on an emotional journey of joy, insight and pathos that will leave you leave you fully satisfied at the final note.

Program

Jacques Gallot    

1} Psyché   

Robert de Visée   

2} Tombeau du vieux Gallot                          

3} La Montfermeil                                            

4} Chaconne               

Jacques Gallot  

Suite “L’Amant Malheureux”

5} L’Amant Malheureux                               

Sylvius Leopold Weiss

6} Allemande en double du meme            

7} Courante                                                

8} Gigue        

Sylvius Leopold Weiss

Suite Pièces de caractère      

9} Le Sans souci                                              

10} Comment sçavez vous                             

11} Le Badinage                                                

12} La Plainte                                                      

13} Campanella                                                 

14} Passacaille              

Sonata No. 37 in C Major    

15} Prelude                                                     

16} Allemande                                                        

17} Courante                                         

18} Bourée                                                         

19} Sarabande                                        

20} Menuets I & II                                          

21} Presto                             

Vieux Gaultier

22) L’Adieu 

For more Information on Benjamin Narvey and to hear samples from Psyché, click on this link.