IDAGIO | J.S. Bach: French Suites Nos. 1-2 - Italian Concerto - Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue 0730099570923

Featuring

Wolfgang Rübsam
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Compositional Technique

The Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, written around 1720, is notable for its harmonic boldness in exploring remote keys, sharing characteristics with Bach's organ compositions.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach's educational ideas for his keyboard works went beyond mere technical training, even for his son Wilhelm Friedemann, aiming to provide a 'strong foretaste of composition'.

Composition History

The Italian Concerto and Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue likely originated during Bach's time at the court of Köthen, where he was employed from 1717 to 1723.

Compositional Technique

The Italian Concerto, published in 1735 as part of the second volume of the Clavierübung, transfers the orchestral style of a Vivaldi concerto to the harpsichord with its two manuals.

Performer Biography

Wolfgang Rübsam, the pianist on this recording, has been a professor at Northwestern University since 1974 and the University Organist at the University of Chicago since 1981.

Composition History

The title 'French Suites' was not given by Bach himself, but was likely added by a contemporary, and does not reflect the style of the works.

Performer Biography

Wolfgang Rübsam gained international recognition in 1973 by winning the Grand Prix de Chartres for Interpretation, and has since released over eighty award-winning recordings.