Harpsichordist

In one historic moment, Bach set the stage for the harpsichord to claim its place as a concerto soloist. The instrument's meteoric evolution from a harmony-playing member of the Basso continuo team to an elevated solo instrument worthy of concertos occurred when Bach composed a frenzied cadenza for the harpsichord in his Fifth Brandenburg Concerto. That work alone employs the harpsichord in three roles, to add harmonic texture, to share the spotlight with flute and violin as a melodic chamber instrument, and ultimately to completely take over the proceedings with a dramatic stepping out, front and center.

EPSG:4326

Bach's Harpsichord

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

Davis Community Church

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, San Francisco

2025 San Francisco Bach Festival Program IV

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Join us as we celebrate the 2022 Jeffrey Thomas Award recipient, Gabriel Benton, along with flutist Bethanne Walker and violinist YuEun Gemma Kim in a recital of works by Bach, Boismortier, and Rameau.

ABS Artist Showcase Series

Among Bach's musicians were some of the greatest virtuosi in Germany. His trumpeters were legendary, and he directed performances by some of the finest court orchestras. "Bravura Bach" celebrates the artistry of the American Bach Soloists as they perform an eclectic sampling of some of Bach's most challenging compositions. The impetuous concerto for harpsichord in D minor, the third Brandenburg Concerto — which requires 11 superlative performers — and the brilliant vocal and trumpet fireworks of "Jauchzet Gott" celebrate Bach at his best! More magic is in store with two works by Vivaldi: "Laudate pueri" and an atmospheric concerto for bassoon titled "La Notte." Telemann's Sinfonia Spirituoso will have its first performances by ABS.

Bravura Bach

Stop by for a mid-week happy hour with hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and free music performed by ABS Festival artists. Enjoy wine and a signature Festival Cocktail along with spirited performances by a quintet of engaging musicians playing on beautiful 18th-century instruments in one of San Francisco's most elegant destinations.

Happy Hour at Herbst!

San Francisco War Memorial

Gabriel Benton enjoys a multifaceted career as a harpsichordist, organist, accompanist, and teacher. He began his relationship with ABS at the 2015 Academy, where he played in the American premiere of Marais’ opera Sémélé. Since then, he has joined ABS on several occasions, including performances of Bach’s Saint Matthew Passion, two recording projects, and as a soloist in Bach’s Triple Concerto in A Minor. A featured artist in ABS’s recent Connoisseur Series Online Edition films, Gabe will perform works by J. S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, and German composers Heinrich Scheidemann and Georg Böhm.

Harpsichordist

Gabriel Benton

Events

Past events

1 - 4 May, 2026

Bach's Harpsichord · American Bach Soloists

Aug 9, 2025

2025 San Francisco Bach Festival Program IV · American Bach Soloists

Future and recently performed repertoire

Harpsichord in Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue by Bach

American Bach Soloists

Harpsichord in Concerto for Two Harpsichords in C major by Bach

American Bach Soloists

Harpsichord in Violin Sonata no. 6 by Bach

American Bach Soloists

Harpsichord in Concerto in D minor for Harpsichord by Bach

American Bach Soloists

About

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