Bach: "Italian" Concerto, "French" Overture & Other Works for Harpsichord

Featuring

Steven Devine
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Performer Biography

Steven Devine, the harpsichordist on this recording, is the principal keyboard player for the Classical Opera Company and The Gonzaga Band, and co-principal keyboard player with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Composer Biography

The obituary for Johann Sebastian Bach, the composer of the works on this album, was co-written by his second son, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, and his student Johann Friedrich Agricola.

Compositional Technique

The Aria variata 'alla maniera italiana' may have been conceived for a harpsichord with 'pull-down' pedals, a system common on Italian organs and harpsichords at the time, due to its 'impossible' left-hand stretches.

Composer's Artistic Vision

On the title page of the second part of his Clavier-Übung, which includes the 'Italian' Concerto and 'French' Overture, Bach stated that the works were 'Composed for Music Lovers to Refresh Their Spirits'.

Composition History

Bach's 'Italian' Concerto and 'French' Overture, both on this album, were published together in 1735 as the second part of his Clavier-Übung (Keyboard Exercise) and reflect the rivalry between Italian and French baroque styles.

Compositional Technique

Bach's Aria variata 'alla maniera italiana' is one of only two works by the composer to use the variation form, the other being the famous 'Goldberg' Variations.

Critical Reception

The Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue was highly popular after Bach's death, with many manuscript editions appearing through the 19th century, often modified to suit contemporary tastes.