The Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue has always been one of Bach's most popular keyboard works, even during his own lifetime.
Interpretation
Angela Hewitt, the pianist on this album, believes the piano is an ideal instrument for Bach's Inventions, provided one avoids excessive use of the sustaining pedal.
Performer Biography
Angela Hewitt, the pianist, has undertaken a project to record all the major keyboard works of Bach, which has been described as 'one of the record glories of our age'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach's Inventions were written to teach students not only clean playing in two or three voices, but also to develop good musical ideas, achieve a singing style, and gain a strong foretaste of composition.
Composition History
The title 'Invention' for Bach's two- and three-part works was likely adopted from four violin pieces by Bonporti, which Bach copied into his notebooks.
Recording & Production
This recording was made possible through the sponsorship of Wood Gundy Inc., a Canadian investment dealer that actively supports the arts.
Compositional Technique
The Fantasia in C minor features sections requiring hand-crossing, both in the Italian style (with large skips) and the French manner (one hand playing within the span of the other).
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