Caroline Huynh Van Xuan - Since in Vain / UnderGround(s) (2017)

In 1660 the Restoration put an end to a period of artistic austerity and saw a rebirth of musical life in England, encouraged by a powerful need to be entertained. Many works for harpsichord were published by famous composers, yet also by others who are today quite forgotten. Caroline Huynh Van Xuan presents an original and hitherto unrecorded programme of grounds that enables one to rediscover the repertory and the vitality of the English music scene in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

“Having been a professional harpsichordist and accompanist for fifteen years, and enriched by all my experience with many different ensembles and orchestras, I felt it was the moment for me to record a solo harpsichord album. The question then was the choice of repertoire. Although there is a large body of writing for the keyboard, I decided almost at once to explore those English composers who have been unfairly neglected.

With this album I would like to help the audience to discover and appreciate some pieces in this particular style of English music which, whilst retaining its specificity, is also enriched by influences from across Europe. “ Caroline

TRACKLIST
01. Ground
02. Allmand
03. Song #1
04. Aire
05. Song #2
06. Hornpipe
07. Song #3
08. Ground
09. Almand
10. With Him He Brings the Partner, Z. 344
11. Hornpipe
12. Since in Vain…
13. Ground
14. Aire
15. Ground
16. Prelude
17. Allemande
18. Here the Deities Approve, Z. 339
19. Allmand
20. Chaconne
21. Ground
22. Prelude
23. Aire
24. 42828
25. Affettuoso
26. Ground
27. Keyboard Suite No. 3 in D Minor, HWV 428: VI. Air & Variations
28. Ground on Moon over Bourbon Street (Arr. Caroline Huynh Van Xuan)