Thank you for the music

SOME ebay purchases aren’t quite as expected. Such was the case for Christophe Rousset (above), who bid on what he believed to be 18th-century published sheet music, only to discover a rare 17th-century harpsichord manuscript. The previously uncatalogued pieces by Jean-baptiste Lully and notable contemporaries were dedicated to Madame de Théobon, a former mistress of Louis XIV. Mr Rousset has given the music its premiere recording, which will be released via French label Aparté this month.

‘The manuscript contains seven unmeasured preludes, which were typical of the time, but not many have survived,’ explains Mr Rousset. ‘I play an original French harpsichord [a newly restored double-manual Nicolas Dumont from 1704] on this album: double interest for me, and hopefully for listeners.’

Madame de Théobon, to whom the manuscript is dedicated, was Lydie de Rochefort-théobon, an attendant of Queen Maria Theresa of Spain. Louis XIV began a liaison with Mademoiselle de Théobon in 1670, which lasted until she was expelled from court in 1673 at the prompting of Madame de Montespan, Louis XIV’S maîtresse-en-titre. ‘We have no record of Madame de Théobon performing this music,’ says Mr Rousset, ‘But being in disgrace she probably had plenty of time to study the harpsichord!’