Release Date: 01 July 2022
Label: Passacaille
Packaging Type: Super Jewel Case (SACD)
No of Units: 2
Barcode: 5425004841148
Genres: Classical Solo Instrumental
Description
Bach's English Suites are entitled in a way that is as strange as it is hard to explain, at least at first glance.
Contrary to what one might assume, these works are more closely related to French suites than to English music. The title is taken from the inscription "Fait pour les Anglois", found on a manuscript owned by Bach's youngest son.
In addition to an extensive prelude and four traditional dances – Allemande, Courante, Sarabande and Gigue – each suite also contains "gallantries", lighter dances that were fashionable at the time. In these dance movements, grace and melody play together with a compositional artistry that elevates them far beyond incidental music for courtly dances.
After the Partitas published by Passacaille in 2021 (PAS1105), Lorenzo Ghielmi, one of the most renowned Bach interpreters of our day, now releases the English Suites, recorded on a harpsichord built by Detmar Hungelbert after an instrument by Michael Mietke (ca. 1710 in Berlin).
"Ghielmi is a master harpsichordist who plays with rhythmic security and fine control over expressive nuances on this excellent instrument. […] The recording quality is a model of clarity with effective ambience." - Choir & Organ (4 STARS)
Tracklisting
Christophe Coin; Orquesta Barroca De Sevilla
Oxalys
P. Phalesius
Markus Schafer; Zvi Meniker
Oxalys
Christophe Coin; Jean-Luc Ayroles; Jan Willem Jansen
Federica Bianchi
Phaedrus
Lorenzo Ghielmi
Lorenzo Ghielmi
Lorenzo Ghielmi
