By Meg Cotner
On the afternoon of Saturday, February 15, over 50 early keyboard enthusiasts gathered at Reed College to attend a recital of music performed by harpsichordist Julia Brown. She played music by JS Bach and his sons, on the beautiful Franco-Flemish double harpsichord that is part of the Reed Early Keyboard Collection.
Her love of this music was clear, conveying its beauty, complexity and virtuosity with skill, talent, and expressivity. In the words of one audience member, “Julia is a really fine player.” Thomas Mock over on our Facebook page said, “Julia Brown’s performance was one of the most enjoyable harpsichord recitals I have experienced in many years.” We can’t help but agree.
Paul Irvin indicated that the instrument was recently re-voiced and you could really hear it. It had a big sound and was really resonant; absolutely gorgeous. We look forward to hearing more concerts with this instrument.
Julia started off with the two-movement Sonata in C Minor, Op. 5, No. 6 by Johann Christian Bach, the 18th child of Johann Sebastian. Just two movements, it displayed grace, substance, and some wonderful imitative work in the first movement. I also liked the lighter feel of the second movement. Julia played with these contrasts beautifully.
Following that was a series of eight fugues by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, the eldest son (his mother was Maria Barbara, Johann Sebastian’s first wife). These are some of his best-known pieces. Sure, it’s a series of imitative pieces, but Julia brought out a whole array of textures, articulations, and interesting registration choices.
After that it was time for Intermission, where the audience headed out to the lobby to enjoy croissants, cups of Nossa Familia coffee, and conversation. Instruments from the Reed Early Keyboard Collection were also available in “petting zoo” format, where people could touch and play the instruments.
The second half of the concert started with the three-movement Sonata in D Major by Johann Christoph Friederich Bach, the 16th child of Johann Sebastian. It was a real treat to hear this piece by one of JS’s youngest and lesser-known sons. The writing sounds closer to the Classical style, with rococo elements and an overall lightness.
After that was the wonderful Sonata in G Major Wq. 55/6 by Carl Philip Emanuel Bach, the fifth child of Johann Sebastian. His works are often considered to be the most substantial of the Bach sons, and the whole piece was a delight. It had so many interesting moments with plenty of variety in gesture, affect, and virtuosity. It was definitely my favorite piece on the program.
Julia ended the recital with Ricercare a 3 from Musical Offering, BWV 1079. This is one of the greatest collections in music history, and after the beautiful craziness of the CPE Bach sonata that preceded, this helped ground us. That familiar theme with all the chromaticism and a piece full of imitative writing was substantial and deeply satisfying, played on an instrument that could speak clearly in a dense sound world — what a great way to end the program.
Thanks to Julia Brown for a wonderful recital and thanks to all who attended — this was one of our biggest audiences! We look forward to seeing you at our next event, our annual soiree at a private home, this time in Salem, OR on Saturday, May 16 – see you then!
Julia Brown recently relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, after twenty years in Eugene, OR. She is currently the Director of Music and Organist at Mayflower Congregational Church in Grand Rapids. Her many recordings with Naxos, including works of W. F. Bach, J. S. Bach, Buxtehude and Scheidemann, have gained high critical acclaim. Reviews hail her as an “unquestionably first-class artist and superb technician… exceptionally sensitive”, “the playing…projects a warmly musical personality.”
In demand as a historical keyboardist and collaborative artist, Brown’s performances include chamber music, orchestral repertoire, and continuo playing in addition to solo recitals. Brown has appeared in concert in North and South America and in Europe, having performed at the Oregon Bach Festival, Grand Rapids Bach Festival, Astoria Music Festival, Chico Bach Festival, American Guild of Organists Regional and National Conventions, Organ Historical Society Conventions, Latin American Organist Conventions, and National Public Radio. She has performed with such eminent conductors as Giancarlo Guerrero, Matthew Halls, Marcelo Leninger and Anton Armstrong.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brown studied piano, harpsichord and organ in her native Brazil before receiving her MM and DMA from Northwestern University as a student of Wolfgang Rübsam.