J.S. Bach: Concertos for Harpsichord & Strings, Vol. 2

Featuring

Masato Suzuki
Bach Collegium Japan
Johann Sebastian Bach

Did you know?

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Compositional Technique

Many of Bach's harpsichord concertos are transcriptions of earlier works originally written for other instruments.

Performer Biography

Masato Suzuki, the harpsichordist and conductor on this album, received his initial musical training from his parents and is the principal conductor of the Bach Collegium Japan.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach improved numerous details in these concertos, similar to his work on the 'Great Eighteen Chorales' and The Well-Tempered Clavier, suggesting a project to give beloved pieces greater meaning.

Recording & Production

This recording was made in July 2019 at the Yamaha Hall in Tokyo, Japan, using microphones from Neumann, DPA, and Schoeps.

Performer Biography

The Bach Collegium Japan, founded in 1990 by Masaaki Suzuki, aims to introduce Japanese audiences to period instrument performances of Baroque works.

Composition History

Bach's interest in composing harpsichord concertos grew after he became the director of Leipzig's Collegium Musicum in March 1729.

Historical Context

Bach's sons, who likely performed their father's concertos, later composed their own keyboard concertos, influencing Mozart, who composed 23 concertos for piano and orchestra.