Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier was revered by musicians like Mozart, Beethoven, and Schumann, who recommended it as 'daily bread' for pianists.
Instruments
This recording uses a copy of a Silbermann fortepiano built in 1749, an instrument Bach likely had at his disposal in the last decade of his life.
Composition History
The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II was compiled in three main phases, starting with twelve preludes and fugues in common keys, then adding ten in less usual keys, and finally completing the collection with the remaining keys.
Interpretation
The performer, Luca Guglielmi, applied Johann Philipp Kirnberger's theory that fugues were based on dance rhythms to his interpretation, aiming for objective rhythmic accentuation.
Performer Biography
Luca Guglielmi, the performer on this album, is a conductor, composer, and keyboard soloist known for his historically informed interpretations and wide repertoire.
Instruments
A Silbermann fortepiano, like the one used in this recording, was very expensive, costing as much as a Kapellmeister's annual salary.
Composition History
Bach's student and future son-in-law, Johann Christoph Altnickol, created a full copy of The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II under Bach's guidance between 1739 and 1742.
You might also enjoy...
Bach: Das wohltemperierte Klavier I
J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 870-893
J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, BWV 870-893
Frescobaldi Complete Keyboard Works, 1 - Il Primo Libro delle Fantasie a quattro
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2 (Excerpts) - Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A-Flat Major, BWV 886: I. Prelude
Bach, JS : Well-Tempered Clavier Book 2
J. S. BACH: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, Teil I
J.S. Bach: Inventions Nos. 1-15
Morning Piano - JS Bach: Prelude and Fugue No. 2 BWV 847
J.S. Bach: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080, Vol. 2
J.S. Bach: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier, Book 1, Bwv 846-869
