Ismo Eskelinen's guitar arrangements aim to reflect what Bach himself might have done, prioritizing the logic and flow of the bass-line over maintaining the original register.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Bach himself stated that his priority in keyboard works was 'above all to achieve a singing style'.
Performer Biography
Ismo Eskelinen is acclaimed for his performances of Bach and has premiered works by many leading contemporary composers, who have praised his intensive interpretations.
Instruments
Many of the works on this album, known as Bach's 'lute works', were likely composed for the Lautenwerk, a keyboard instrument that sounded like a lute.
Performer Biography
Ismo Eskelinen, the guitarist on this album, was the first guitarist invited to perform as a soloist with both resident orchestras at the new Helsinki Music Centre.
Interpretation
Performer Ismo Eskelinen uses a capotasto on his guitar for most pieces, which allows him to play in original keys while altering the guitar's timbre and open string resonance.
Composer Biography
J.M. Gesner, a contemporary of Bach, described him as a conductor who was 'full of rhythm in every part of his body'.
