This recording of Bach's Partitas was made on Angela Hewitt's own Fazioli piano in the Kulturzentrum Gustav Mahler in Toblach/Dobbiaco, Italy.
Historical Context
Bach became acquainted with French and Italian music, which influenced his Partitas, by copying scores from various libraries, as he never traveled more than 200 miles from home.
Critical Reception
Bach's Partitas were a success in their time, with his first biographer Forkel noting that they made 'a great noise in the musical world' and could help a young artist gain acknowledgement.
Performer Biography
Angela Hewitt, the pianist on this recording, won First Prize in the 1985 Toronto International Bach Piano Competition, which launched her international career.
Composition History
Bach's 'Opus 1', a set of six partitas for keyboard, was his first work published by his own initiative, despite having composed for twenty years prior.
Composer Biography
Johann Sebastian Bach moved to Leipzig in 1723 to educate his children, despite the new Kantor position being a step down in status from his previous role as Kapellmeister.
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