A critical edition of Pierre Thomas DuFour's "Pieces de Clavecin"

Abstract

This project is a critical edition of the only extant publication of Pierre Thomas Dufour: his Pièces de clavecin of 1772. As the only existing modern edition of this work is a facsimile reprint of the original 1772 publication, a critical edition suitable for contemporary artists will encourage familiarity with Dufour’s music. The project includes the actual transcription of the forty Pièces de clavecin, completed with musical notation software, and a written commentary. The commentary, which consists of the first three chapters, discusses Dufour’s biography, his probable instruments, technical details concerning the first edition, stylistic information about the music, certain relevant performance practice issues that arise, and clarifications and notes on the editing process. The new edition itself is found in Chapter Four. Dufour’s music is not a part of the standard French harpsichord repertoire at this point, but his music will be a welcome addition for students, professionals and aficionados.