This disc claims to be a showcase for a recently restored harpsichord, and a fine job it makes of it. The instrument was made in 1658 by Louis Denis and, according to the booklet, is “one of the oldest French harpsichords, if not the oldest, to have survived with all the sounding elements of the case…in original condition”. Well worth hearing, then, and indeed this is a harpsichord of character, clear and crisply voiced without being over-percussive and, if not plush with resonance, nevertheless possessing a pleasing twang and a strong bass. It is well described in the booklet, but it is a pity that there are not some more functional photos to go with the arty croppings.

The choice of pieces by Louis Couperin and Froberger (plus one by Chambonnieres) is a wise one; these are the most sensitive harpsichord composers of the 17th century, and may just possibly have known this instrument themselves. It is odd, however, that the balance is tipped so far in Couperin’s favour. How the performances affect you is what matters in the end, though, and Jovanka Marville plays stylishly and with a languid touch that seems to bring out the instrument’s qualities to good effect. While she finds expressive weight in the big chaconnes (Couperin’s superb C major/minor Passacaille is almost a given on a disc of this sort) she does not match the nobility and poise of Skip Sempe’s smooth Couperin recording (Alpha, 4/05), and there are times when she could show more flow. This is a pleasing offering all the same, and its potential appeal to harpsichord buffs is obvious.