Various Composers - Clavecin XX (Justin Taylor)

Information

• Béla Bartók - Mikrokosmos, Sz. 107, Vol. 3: No. 79, Hommage à J.S.B (transcr. Justin Taylor)
• Jean Francaix - Concerto for Harpsichord and Instrumental Ensemble
• Stéphane Gassot - Bluesinuum
• Henryk Górecki - Concerto for Harpsichord and String Orchestra, Op. 40
• Francis Poulenc - Concert champêtre pour clavecin et orchestre, FP 49
• Bohuslav Martinů - Two Impromptus for Harpsichord, H. 381: No. 2, —
• Manuel de Falla - Concerto for Harpsichord, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Violin and Cello
• Scott Joplin - Maple Leaf Rag

Justin Taylor, harpsichord

Orchestre National de Lille

Chloé Dufresne, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Alpha Classics

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Justin Taylor presents a personal exploration of the harpsichord’s revival in 20th-century music, tracing its evolution from a Baroque-associated instrument to a modern source of inspiration for composers. His album is structured around major harpsichord concertos by Manuel de Falla, Francis Poulenc, Jean Françaix, and Henryk Górecki, interwoven with solo works referencing Béla Bartók, Bohuslav Martinů, and contemporary influences such as György Ligeti, concluding with an homage to Scott Joplin. Taylor performs the entire programme on a 1970s harpsichord built by Anthony Sidey, valued for its hybrid design and wide tonal palette. Through this recording, he continues the legacy of pioneers such as Wanda Landowska and Élisabeth Chojnacka, reaffirming the instrument’s modern expressive potential.

Justin Taylor is an acclaimed keyboard artist known for his expressive versatility on both harpsichord and piano, praised by critics for his ability to make the instrument “sing” with exceptional clarity and imagination. A First Prize winner at the 2015 International MA Festival Competition in Bruges, he has since built an international career as a soloist and chamber musician, earning multiple nominations at the Victoires de la Musique. His recordings, including Bach & Italy and Chopin intime, have received major accolades such as Diapason d’Or distinctions and recognition from Le Monde and BBC Music Magazine. Taylor performs widely across leading venues such as the Philharmonie de Paris and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and collaborates with ensembles including Concerto Köln. He is also active as a chamber musician with his ensemble Le Consort and teaches at the Paris Conservatoire, contributing to the next generation of keyboard performers.