Dick Hyman & Harpsichord In HI-FI (Vol. II)

Released in 1957 by MGM Records, this record emerged during the peak of the high-fidelity era, when labels were experimenting with the tonal ranges of unconventional instruments. Dick Hyman, a versatile jazz pianist and composer, was commissioned to explore the sonic possibilities of the harpsichord within a contemporary, upbeat framework, blending Baroque-era textures with the sophisticated arrangements typical of the mid-century easy listening and jazz scenes.

The album serves as the second installment in a series aimed at listeners eager to test the frequency capabilities of their new home stereo equipment. Hyman’s arrangements, which often integrated the harpsichord alongside traditional orchestral sections, were designed to highlight the instrument's sharp attack and sustain, balancing technical novelty with accessible, melodic compositions. It was generally received as a clever, technically proficient curiosity that showcased Hyman’s agility as an arranger and performer.