Jean François Tapray - Harpsichord Works (Fernando De Luca)

Information

Composer: Jean François Tapray

• Les Sauvages Avec Des Variations (Thème De Rameau) Pour Le Clavecin [1770]
• Keyboard Sonata No. 1 in B-Flat Major, Op. 17
• Keyboard Sonata No. 2 in G Major, Op. 17
• Keyboard Sonata No. 3 in C Major, Op. 17
• Keyboard Sonata No. 4 in F Major, Op. 17
• Keyboard Sonata No. 5 in C Major, Op. 17
• Keyboard Sonata No. 6 in D Major, Op. 17

Fernando De Luca, harpsichord

Date: 2026

Label: Brilliant Classics

_____________________

This recording by Fernando de Luca addresses a notable gap in French Baroque discography by presenting the sonatas of Jean-François Tapray (1737–c.1810) on the harpsichord rather than modern piano. A transitional figure between the harpsichord and fortepiano, Tapray’s works reflect the late flourishing of the French harpsichord tradition alongside emerging galant influences. The program includes the virtuosic Variations on Les Sauvages, based on music from Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Les Indes galantes, blending diverse stylistic elements. Performed on a Blanchet-model harpsichord, the recording highlights both expressive nuance and historical authenticity in this evolving repertoire.

Fernando De Luca (born February 19, 1961, in Rome) is an Italian harpsichordist, composer, and educator specializing in Baroque music. A prodigious talent, he began composing early and trained at the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia, later refining his skills under Domenico Bartolucci. He has performed widely across Europe and beyond, appearing in major Baroque festivals as both soloist and continuo player. Noted for pioneering performances and recordings, including works by George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach, he has contributed extensively to early music revival. De Luca also founded ensembles, promotes harpsichord repertoire online, and teaches in Cagliari.