The ensemble il capriccio and Franz Vitzthum arranged the pieces for their specific instrumentation, with chorale melodies originally for organ taken by the vocal part or a violin.
Compositional Technique
Bach's 'The Art of Fugue' explores all conceivable contrapuntal possibilities using a single D minor musical motif, which astonishingly resembles the Luther chorale 'Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir'.
Performer Biography
Franz Vitzthum, the countertenor on this album, received his initial musical training with the Regensburger Domspatzen and studied singing at the Cologne Academy of Music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Despite numerous personal tragedies, Bach's music often expresses exuberant joy and confidence when setting texts about the hope of eternal life, reflecting his deep faith.
Historical Context
Johann Sebastian Bach experienced significant personal loss, including his mother at age nine, his father a year later, all his siblings, and eleven of his children.
Composition History
The 'Fuga a 3 Soggetti', the final work of 'The Art of Fugue', is an unfinished fugue that includes the note sequence B-A-C-H, suggesting a personal legacy from the composer.
Album & Artwork
The album cover features a window above the 'Totenpforte' (door of the dead) at Maulbronn Monastery, symbolizing the transition from life to death.
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