Pianist Hélène Grimaud's album juxtaposes original works by Bach with transcriptions by other composers to illustrate that the instrument used hardly matters.
Interpretation
Hélène Grimaud believes that Bach can be beautifully played on any instrument if the soul is in tune, emphasizing emotional and intellectual honesty over the instrument itself.
Composition History
The concerto featured on this album was originally for violin, but Bach himself transcribed it for organ and then into the form heard here, demonstrating his fondness for the work.
Interpretation
Playing Bach on the harpsichord helped Hélène Grimaud realize that timing is key to articulation and expression, and that modern pianos can sometimes lead to over-interpretation.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach was one of the last composers to express religious belief through art before the Enlightenment, using his music to argue for the existence of God and celebrate the invisible.
Composer's Artistic Vision
For Hélène Grimaud, Bach's music is like a "Bible" with an infinity of interpretations, allowing musicians to renew their relationship to music, themselves, and the world.
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