The harpsichordist and organist, Edward Parmentier, studied with Albert Fuller in New York City and Gustav Leonhardt, in Amsterdam. He holds degrees in classical languages, literatures and musicology from Princeton University and in humanities and teaching from Harvard University.
Edward Parmentier is internationally renowned for his brilliant performances of early keyboard music. A specialist in the harpsichord music of J. S. Bach, the English virginalists, and the French clavecinistes, has performed widely throughout the USA, Russia, Western Europe, Japan, and Korea. He is a frequent recitalist, lecturer and adjudicator at symposia and festivals. His solo appearances include recitals on both harpsichord and historic organs. He also appears frequently in ensemble settings as a continuist and concerto soloist, and conducts modern instrument chamber orchestras in performances of Baroque and classical repertory. Among his recent engagements have been performances for the Berkeley Early Music Festival; Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea; Origo et Practica in Tokyo; and the Hamburg Conservatory. He has also performed for and judged harpsichord competitions.
Currently Professor of Music at the School of Music, University of Michigan, Edward Parmentier teaches harpsichord and performance practice and directs choral and instrumental performances of the Early Music Ensemble there. Parmentier is recognized as a dynamic and inspired lecturer on subjects related to Baroque keyboard instruments and music. His summer harpsichord workshops at the University of Michigan, each summer focusing on two different repertoires, have attracted players from around the world.
Edward Parmentier’s recordings have won widespread critical and popular acclaim. On the Wildboar label: English virginal music, 17th-century German harpsichord music, 17th-century French harpsichord music (sonatas of Scarlatti), Iberian music played on an 18th-century Portuguese fortepiano, early Italian harpsichord music, Arcangelo Corelliensemble works, the anthology Splendor of the Harpsichord, Scarlatti sonatas, and the complete Bach Partitas, Toccatas (BWV 910-916), and English Suites (BWV 806-811). He has also recorded Bach’s trio sonatas BWV 525-530 in an ensemble version (“Musica Pacifica” of recorder-violin-cello-harpsichord) on Virgin Veritas, and various other non-Bach recordings published on Crystal, Titanic, and University of Michigan discs.