The title 'Clavier-Übung' (keyboard exercise) for Bach's Partitas recalls a similar title used by Johann Kuhnau, Bach's predecessor as cantor of St Thomas in Leipzig.
Composition History
J.S. Bach's six Partitas were his first harpsichord works to be printed, published individually between 1726 and 1730 before being collected in 1731.
Compositional Technique
The Partitas include unusual 'galant style' pieces like Capriccio, Burlesca, and Scherzo, which are rarely found in Bach's earlier harpsichord works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The complete collection of 41 pieces in the Partitas contains a coded musical signature: the number 41 represents the sum of the letters 'J S B A C H' (A=1, B=2, etc.).
Performer Biography
Lorenzo Ghielmi, the harpsichordist on this album, has performed the complete organ works of J.S. Bach on the Ahrend organ in the Basilica San Simpliciano, Milan.
Compositional Technique
The six Partitas showcase Bach's desire to explore every compositional possibility for each movement, with each of the six opening pieces having a different title and each dance type being treated uniquely.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach's Partitas, unlike his earlier English and French Suites, had a much wider circulation due to their printed publication.
