Album Notes

This CD is a collection of keyboard music containing two Irish double jigs and selections presented in a chronological progression from 1590-1890.

The album begins with piano renditions of Morgan Rattler and Biddy Maloney. These delightful Irish double jigs are entertaining and jovial.

Orlando Gibbons, Thomas Weelkes, Benjamin Cosyn Thomas Tomkins, and Anonymous are composers between 1590-1650 (late Renaissance and Early Baroque periods). These selections were recorded with a guitar setting to create a lighter, softer sound that would be reminiscent of period keyboard instruments. The intent of the improvisational arrangements is to provide more motion and a fuller sound.

Flute Piece by Thomas Thorley was originally composed for the organ to be used with the flute stops. A vibraphone setting was used to create a transition to the next several selections.

Selections for a Musical Clock ( WoO 33/4 and 33/5) by Ludwig van Beethoven were composed for the mechanical clockwork instruments of Count Deym in 1799. These early music boxes contained interchangeable cylinders for different compositions. Sound generation was not limited to metal tone bars. Some included organ flute pipes and other instruments would provide percussion. Music associated with this genre has been mostly over-looked in lieu of the larger popular works.

Gustav Lange (1830-1899) was a German composer who wrote many instructional works for piano, and has largely been forgotten by musical history. His compositions are lyrical, pleasant, and well-suited for parlor music.