Sons of the organist Isaak Hassler, Hans Leo and Jacob Hassler were born in Nuremberg, where they received their initial musical training from their father. Both went to study in Italy, we know that Andrea Gabrieli would become Hans Leo's teacher. On returning, they entered the service of the Fugger family in Augsburg. Later on, Hans Leo became Kapellmeister to the Prince Elector of Saxony Christian II, and Jacob was appointed chamber organist at the Court chapel of Emperor Rudolph II in Prague. This CD presents six of the extant keyboard compositions by Jacob Hassler as well as Hans Leo Hassler's Variations on Ich gieng einmal spatieren — a remarkable piece which comes close to Bach's Goldberg variations, regarding its extent and diversity. The Fugger family owned several instruments by Franciscus Patavinus, superbly worked, decorated with gold and ivory ornamentation, and with a broad, full sound. It is more than probable that both Hans Leo and Jacob Hassler played these instruments while in the service of the Fuggers in Augsburg. For this reason the Patavinus harpsichord, part of the collection of the Deutsches Museum in Munich since 1910, was used for the present recording. It closely resembles an instrument listed in the Fuggers' inventory, and could actually be the one described. The original signature on the name board, according to the purchase documents, was »Francisci Patavini Dicti Ongaro, 1561«, making it one of the few surviving harpsichords from the 16th century. The magnificent instrument is largely in its original state.

• Wykonawca Berben Leon
• Data premiery 2010-10-18
• Nośnik CD