J.S. BACH (1685-1750)

 

Italian Concerto, BWV971 [Clavier-Übung II]

French Overture in B minor, BWV831 [Clavier-Übung II]

Sonata in D minor, BWV964 (after Sonata in A minor for solo violin, BWV1003)

 

Masaaki Suzuki (harpsichord)

 

In between concerts, recordings and tours with his Bach Collegium Japan, the indefatigable Masaaki Suzuki still manages to make time for the harpsichord – to the joy of reviewers and music lovers alike. His previous recordings of Bach’s keyboard music have been highly praised.

 

Most recently the French Suites (BISCD1113-14) was made Critic’s Choice in American Record Guide, and the reviewer in Fanfare called the double-CD “an immensely stimulating listening experience…the most compelling set of these utterly winning suites.” The Partitas (BISCD1313-14) met with equal enthusiasm, and was described as “a distinguished and deeply considered account” in The Gramophone and as “fascinating, probing and compelling versions” by the Goldberg website.

 

Now the turn has come to the Italian Concerto and its companion piece the French Overture. The two works, which make up the so-called Clavier-Übung 2, demonstrate Bach’s familiarity with two main orchestral genres – the concerto and the overture suite. This collection is highly characterful music in a programme which is complemented by the Sonata in D minor, a transcription – probably by the composer himself – of the Sonata in A minor for solo violin.

 

BIS BISCD1469