Frescobaldi Keyboard Works Volume 3

"Volume 1 offers a varied and attractive programme, chiefly from the First Book of Toccatas played on a 1619 Boni harpsichord. The majority of the music on Volume 3 is also performed on this remarkable instrument, though, for greater variety, an earlier Italian harpsichord and two virginals, dating from 1540 and 1600 are employed for the later tracks. Part of the attractiveness of these two discs stems from Lester’s study of and employment of contemporary fingering techniques and of period ornamentation. Much of the music looks like the work of a dull dog as it stands on the printed page but not when you hear it played. The letter killeth but the spirit which Lester imparts giveth life. Above all, Lester plays the music as if it has value for its own sake and not just as an historical document. Composers such as Praetorius and Buxtehude, who used to be thought of as mere John the Baptists heralding the arrival of J.S. Bach, have now been established as of value in their own rights and I’m pleased to see that this Nimbus series is doing the same for Frescobaldi."  Brian Wilson musicweb-international.com