The Keyboard in London

My photo
We (Mike Lurie, Greg Dunbar, Lauren Buono, Shawn Riley & Bryn Coveney) are a group of students studying abroad in London for the semester from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. This blog is to document our class experiences in "The Keyboard and it's Role in London Society" course, which is being taught by Diane Birr at the Ithaca College London Center, in South Kensington. Our studies focus on keyboard instruments (the Virginal, Harpsichord, Pianoforte, Piano, Organ, Electronic keyboard) and explore how these instruments are historically interwoven with the personal and social fabric of London society.

Thursday 31 January 2008

Handel House

The class attended a concert at the Handel House on 31 January 2008.   The house is located at 25 Brook Street in London and is where Handel lived from 1723-1759. (Jimi Hendrix lived at 23 Brook Street for a short time!)  French harpsichordist, Elizabeth Joye, performed a program of works by Jacques Duphly.

 A few photos from the concert!
 Dr. Birr and husband, Chuck Speed at the concert.


 The harpsichord in Handel's rehearsal/composing room.

              Mike and Greg at the Handel House concert.


"As for the music performed and written specifically for the harpsichord, I feel that Handel's historic practice room should be the only venue for it to be presented to gain the full effect of its beauty."
--Mike

"I found my eyes straying away from the performer and looking around the room at the walls, paintings, and even the wooden plank floor boards, imagining what it would have been like to be there when Handel was. The harpsichord was beautiful and its sound filled the intimate room with its array of colors." 
--Lauren

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