Benjamin Alard

Biography

Since 2018, the French harpsichordist and organist Benjamin Alard has devoted himself to an ambitious project: to record the complete solo keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The entire series aims to offer a comprehensive, chronological overview of this Baroque giant’s keyboard compositions, while also exploring the influences and historical context that shaped his output.
Each volume in the series highlights a specific period in Bach’s life, represented by his solo works for organ, harpsichord, and clavichord. But the monumental endeavour is not limited to Bach’s compositions alone. Benjamin Alard also incorporates works by Bach’s contemporaries — composers such as François Couperin, Johann Pachelbel, and Dietrich Buxtehude, — thus offering a more complete view of the musical landscape of the time and of the reciprocal influences between these fellow musicians.
Benjamin Alard’s approach is also distinguished by its use of period instruments and faithfully reproduced copies chosen in accordance with each work and specific period. This respect for authenticity helps to replicate as closely as possible the original sonorities intended by the composer.
An artistic and musicological venture of major importance!
“This grand cycle is stimulating for the original thinking that lies behind its organisation and realisation…” (Gramophone)
Benjamin Alard’s principal passion has always been the music of J.S. Bach and it was for his interpretation of this great composer that he was awarded first prize in the 2004 International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges.
While still quite young he began studying music in his hometown in Dieppe, France. He was soon drawn to the organ and entered the Conservatory of Rouen where he studied with Louis Thiry and François Ménissier.
He was first introduced to the harpsichord by Elizabeth Joyé, with whom he studied in Paris before going on, in 2003, to the Schola Cantorum in Basel to work with Jörg-Andreas Bôtticher, Jean-Claude Zehnder and Andrea Marcon.
Since 2005 he has been organist of the Bernard-Aubertin organ in the church of Saint-Louis-en-l’Ile in Paris where each season he gives concerts about the music of Bach.
Today Benjamin Alard divides his time between performing recitals and chamber music on both the harpsichord and organ. He often performs repertoire for two harpsichords with Elisabeth Joyé, in duo with the violinist Francois Fernandez or in trio). He is regularly invited to perform as soloist in music series in Europe, Japan and North America.