From his 1768 volume “Pièces de clavecin,” ‘La Pothouin’ is one of Jacques Duphly’s (1715-1789) most haunting works. A beautiful rondeau with elements from the late baroque and early classical styles.
There is no official surviving portrait of Duphly, although one probably existed at some point due to his local fame. He was one of the most famous and well-known Paris harpsichordists in the late baroque era aside from Rameau and a few others. In fact, Pascal Taskin, the great harpsichord maker, said Duphly was one of the best harpsichord teachers in Paris.
Shortly after this 1768 volume was published, Duphly essentially disappeared from the Paris scene for reasons unknown. It is noted he died in 1789, “lonely, forgotten, with his music library and without a harpsichord.”
Since we do not know what he looked like; and considering the mystery of his disappearance, this short film was made with a Venetian tragedy mask in an abandoned mansion. A mask of mystery, loneliness, and sadness.
Perhaps this piece, one of his last published works before his disappearance, sheds some light on his inner feelings. Feelings that would eventually lead to his departure from Paris, and perhaps, music altogether.
Performer: Chris Gantner, harpsichord
Harpsichord: John D. Lyon circa 1999
