Selosse Manuscript Recording

Press Release - 5/1/10

The world premiere recording of the recently discovered Selosse Manuscript has been made by harpsichordist, Terence Charlston, for Deux-Elles Recordings. The double CD set will be available shortly under the title ‘La Chasse Royale’ (DXL 1143). The manuscript, discovered in 2004 on a Camden market stall by Dr Peter Leech, is one of the most important late 17th-century keyboard sources to come to light in recent years. This small oblong book probably belonged to the Jesuit Antoine Selosse (1621-87), who may have composed some of its largely unascribed contents. An attractive and varied selection of 32 pieces designed for domestic and liturgical use, Selosse's book significantly adds to our understanding of the interaction between English and continental musicians. Terence Charlston performs the music on a double manual harpsichord after Ioannes Ruckers, 1624; a double-fretted clavichord after Donat, c. 1700; and the historic organ of St. Botolph’s Aldgate, London, built by Renatus Harris, c.1702. The edition used in this recording was specially prepared by Terence Charlston. For further information see http://homepage.ntlworld.com/terence.charlston/Selosse.htm and http://www.deux-elles.co.uk.

'Terence Charlston showcases this treasure haul brilliantly on a sprightly harpsichord, dulcet clavichord and a robust organ from 1701.' The Times, 19 June 2010.

This recording has been made thanks to the kind generosity of St Omers Press, Stonyhurst; St. Francis Xavier's Church, Liverpool; Capella Fede; Research Institute for the Arts and Humanities, Swansea University.