The album's program is designed to transition the listener from the grand acoustics of organ music in a church to the intimate sound of the harpsichord.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album focuses on Johann Sebastian Bach's early works, highlighting his creative potential before his famous mature compositions.
Composer Biography
Johann Michael Bach, Sebastian's uncle and father of his first wife Maria Barbara, influenced some of Bach's early organ chorales, such as BWV 1091.
Performer Biography
Cécile Mansuy, the performer on this album, chose the harpsichord as her first musical instrument at the age of five.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in August and October 2011 at the Jesuit Church in Porrentruy and the Reformed Church Oberstrass in Zurich.
Composition History
The Capriccio sopra il lontananza de il fratro dilettissimo, with its programmatic titles, is likely addressed to Bach's older brother, Johann Jacob, who became an oboist for the Swedish king in 1704.
Compositional Technique
Bach's Sonata in D major, BWV 963, includes a final movement that references the cuckoo and the hen, symbolizing spring and fertility.
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