Bach, J.S.: Kunst Der Fuge (Die) (The Art of Fugue), Bwv 1080A
11/16/2006, 17 Tracks, 1:08:32
Featuring
Sébastien Guillot
Johann Sebastian Bach
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Recording & Production
This recording uses autograph material that survives from Bach's last decade, breaking off at the point where the B-A-C-H subject is introduced.
Performer Biography
Sébastien Guillot, the harpsichordist on this recording, studied with Huguette Dreyfus and Christophe Rousset in Paris, and Bob van Asperen in Amsterdam.
Compositional Technique
The unfinished final fugue of The Art of Fugue introduces three subjects, including one based on the letters of Bach's name (B-A-C-H).
Composition History
J.S. Bach's The Art of Fugue was published posthumously in 1751, after he had been preparing it for publication.
Composer Biography
According to his second son, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the composer died while working on the fugue that incorporated his name, B.A.C.H.
Compositional Technique
The Art of Fugue is based on a single thematic subject, which is varied and developed throughout the entire series of fugues and canons.
Instruments
The harpsichord used for this recording was built in 2002 by Jonte Knüf in Helsinki, modeled after German instruments.
