Christophe Rousset's first recording for Aparté, devoted to Louis Couperin, was received enthusiastically by public and critics alike and collected many distinctions in the international press, including a BBC Music Magazine Instrumental Choice. Since then he has continued to delight and excel both as harpsichordist and as director of Les Talens Lyriques.

Now at the peak of his maturity, the artist presents J S Bach's musical testament: The Well-Tempered Clavier. Written 20 years after the first volume, Book II contains the musical and spiritual legacy of the composer.

Christophe Rousset plays these pieces on the 1628 Ruckers harpsichord of Antwerp, one of the best examples of its kind in the world.

The usual luxury digipack presentation from Aparte is accompanied by informative essays on the compositions, performance practice and on the origins of the harpsichord: "Preserved in the château de Versailles since 1946, the harpsichord had been bequeathed to the Musée de Cluny in Paris by the painter Joseph Fernand Boissard de Boisdenier (1813-1866). The latter was a dilettante, as well as an excellent violinist and organiser of musical evenings, but he is chiefly remembered for the famous 'fantasias' (hashish parties) held in his apartment that were immortalised by his friend Théophile Gautier in 'Le Club des Hachichins'.” (Alain Anselm, Harpsichord maker)