Music for Pleasure & Passion

Andrew Soulsby playing a harpsichord in the Central Hall at Seaton Delaval Hall

The Delaval family of Seaton Delaval Hall had a reputation as entertainers, hosts and people who appreciated the finer things in life. They were passionate about the theatre and great patrons of the arts.  We know that no expense was spared in the acquisition of instruments for the house, including the purchase of the finest harpsichords from London.

Like Seaton Delaval Hall, harpsichord music is unusual, rich and highly decorated, bringing to mind images of the Royal courts and country houses of 18th century Europe. 

Watch as this grand space is once again filled with a music and festivity. 

Andrew Soulsby playing a harpsichord in the Central Hall at Seaton Delaval Hall Play Video
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Music for Passion and Pleasure - Live from Seaton Delaval Hall

On Wednesday 2nd September, classical musician Andrew Soulsby paid tribute to the Delaval's love of theatre and music with a programme of harpsichord music by some of the finest eighteenth century composers, including Bach, Couperin and Avison from the Central Hall.

The performance explores the famous dual between Bach and Marchand, and the sumptuous preludes of Francois Couperin. Newcastle born composer Charles Avison could well have performed at the hall, and was a champion of the music of Rameau, so it’s possible that some of this music may already been heard in this building before.

About Andrew Soulsby

Andrew is a music graduate of the University of Huddersfield, where he studied piano and historical performance practice with George Pratt and John Bryan (The Rose Consort of Viols). He currently studies harpsichord with Sophie Yates. Like so many harpsichordists, he made the transition from piano to harpsichord in his first year of university.

Music for Pleasure & Passion - Programme

Jean Phillipe Rameau

Prelude & Gigue in A minor, Pieces de Clavecin book 1, 1705 & Book II, 1724

Francois Couperin

Prelude No.4 in F major, L’Art de Toucher le Clavecin, 1716

J S Bach

Fantasie & Fugue in A minor, BWV 904

Francois Couperin

Prelude No.1 in C major, L’Art de Toucher le Clavecin, 1716

Charles Avison

Sonata in C, Opus 5 No.3, Con Giubilo, Con Tenerezza

Thomas Arne

Sonata VIII in G, Minuet & 4 Variations

Francois Couperin

Prelude No.3 in G minor, L’Art de Toucher le Clavecin, 1716

Louis Marchand

Suite in D minor (excerpts), Prelude, Allemande, Courante I, Sarabande, Chaconne, Minuet I&II Pieces de Clavecin Book 1, 1702

Francoise Couperin
Les Baricades Mysterieuses, Pieces de Clavecin Book II. 1717