The Orpheus myth was as important for the birth of opera in France as it had been in Italy. In 1684, Charpentier composed a work for three voices, Orphée descendant aux Enfers. With this piece, remarkable for its style and concision, he showed how well he had assimilated Carissimi’s art. It is a dramatic scene, similar to the ‘sacred histories’ of the Roman master. The text, by an unknown author, narrates Orpheus’ quest for his beloved in the Underworld. /quote]

Anthony Newman does a fantastic job with the "great eight". Tempos are wisely chosen; never too quick (as is often the case with these suites played on harpsichord), but definitely never too slow (as is the case on almost all the piano recordings of these suites). The 1st, 3rd, and 8th suites are particularly well done; and as far as the 5th goes, it gets a very well-played, although somewhat straightforward performance.

Since his debut in 1959, harpsichordist and fortepianist Igor Kipnis has performed in recital and as soloist with orchestras throughout the world, including North and South America, Western Europe, East Germany, the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Israel, the Far East, and Australia. He is a prolific recording artist with 81 albums to his credit, of which 55 are solo. Among the honors he has received are 6 'Grammy' Nominations, 3 'Record of the Year' Awards from Stereo Review , the 1969 Deutsche Schallplatten Prize, and the 1988 Gold Star award from the Italian periodical, Musica .