Released 1967 by Epic CBS, New York City BC 1363
Mr. Kipnis’s harpsichord was built for him in New York in 1961 by Rutkowski and Robinette and closely resembles in both sound and appearance the large, standard French harpsichord of the second half of the 18th century. It has the following disposition: Lower Manual-8′ leather (Peau de buffle), 8′ quill, harp (buff stop) on both 8’s, 4′ quill; Upper Manual-8′ quill; Manual coupler.
The clavichord used on this recording, also built by Rutkowski and Robinette (New York, 1963), has the unusually wide dynamic
range and full tone that are characteristic of the largest German clavichords of the second half of the 18th century. It has a range of five octaves, is double strung and fret free.
Produced by Paul Myers
Cover design: Michael Mendel
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: R-67-3168

The dynamic ranges of the harpsichord and the clavichord are such that an absolutely true recording of each instrument would do justice to neither, making the harpsichord seem somewhat “soft” and the clavichord almost inaudible. Therefore, to obtain a favorable balance between the two instruments, it has been necessary slightly to increase the volume of the clavichord over its normal level of sound. For those seeking a “pure” clavichord sound, a slight reduction in phonograph volume is recommended.
Paul Myers

SIDE I
00:00 Telemann: Ouverture No. 1 in g minor, edited by Igor Kipnis 11’09 harpsichord
11:13 Buxtehude: Variations on “More Palatino” 13’48 harpsichord
25:05 Kirmair: Air Varie on themes from Mozart’s “Die Zauberfl|ote” 3’00 harpsichord

SIDE II
28:10 J. S. Bach: Fantasia in g minor BWV 920 6’35 harpsichord
34:54 C. P. E.Bach Fantasia in C major 6’11 clavichord
41:10 Pachelbel: Choral e Partita, “Werde Munter, mein Gemüte” 5’50 clavichord
47:04 Kuhnau: Biblical sonata No.1, “Der Streit zwischen David und Goliath” 10’52 clavichord
All selections are P.D.

The young American harpsichordist Igor Kipnis (his father is the famous basso Alexander Kipnis) has appeared in concerts and lecture recitals throughout the United States and has been a music reviewer for the New York Herald Tribune, the New York Post, The American Record Guide, and HiFi/Stereo Review. He is currently chairman of the Baroque Department at the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood, where he gives instruction in harpSichord and Baroque stylistic practices, and his program, “The Age of Baroque,” is broadcast weekly over New York’s radio station WQXR.

Other recordings on Epic by Mr. Kipnis are
“French Baroque Music for Harpsichord” (LC 3889/BC 1289*),
“English Harpsichord Music” (LC 3898/BC 1298*),
“Italian Baroque Music for Harpsichord” (LC 3911/ BC 1311 *), and
“Bach on the Harpsichord and Clavichord” (LC 3932/BC 1332*).
*Stereo

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