Release Date: 27 April 2014
Label: Chandos - Chaconne / Chandos
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 095115080221
Genres: Classical
Composer/Series: Bach
Description
The 'Italian' Concerto and 'French' Overture included on this disc together make up the second part of Bach's Clavier-Übung, composed, according to Bach himself, 'for music lovers to refresh their spirits'. Here Steven Devine's performances show that these works do far more than simply refresh spirits. The 'Italian' Concerto has long been thought a product of Bach's extensive study of Vivaldi's concerti. It is full of allusions to the style of the Italian orchestral concerto but the idiomatic keyboard writing, particularly in the exquisitely ornamented slow movement, clearly shows the work's conception as a virtuoso keyboard piece. The large scale of the 'French' Overture's opening movement is unprecedented in the work of Bach, being his longest single keyboard movement. It is grandiose and imposing in character and stands in contrast to the seven shorter, more delicate dance movements that follow. Alongside these largescale works are the Aria variata 'alla maniera italiana, the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, BWV 903, and the Fantasia in C minor, BWV 906. Steven Devine plays a double-manual harpsichord by Colin Booth (2000) after Fleischer (1710), which throughout the programme allows him to bring out Bach's idiomatic contrasts in dynamics and colour.
Tracklisting
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra; Halle Choir; John Storgards
Jonathan Aasgaard; Sinfonia of London; John Wilson
Sara Dowling; Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
Dame Sarah Connolly; Joseph Middleton
James Ehnes; BBC Philharmonic; Juanjo Mena
Lso:Hickox
Wilson/Rte Orch/Sinfonia Ldn
Watkins:Bbc So:Gardner
