In Book 2 of The Well-Tempered Clavier, Bach reworked and 'recycled' many earlier pieces, often transposing them into new keys.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in April and May 2023 at the Deutschlandfunk Kammermusiksaal in Cologne, Germany, as a co-production with Deutschlandfunk.
Compositional Technique
Book 2 of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier exhibits more harmonic extremes and extraordinary harmonic invention compared to Book 1.
Interpretation
Aaron Pilsan maintains the well-tempered tuning of the instrument for this recording, as he believes it sounds 'better, more colourful and more interesting'.
Performer Biography
Aaron Pilsan, the pianist on this album, became obsessed with Bach's music at age eight, leading him to dedicate his life to music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pianist Aaron Pilsan believes Bach's music combines a perfect balance of logical construction, human emotion, and a spiritual dimension.
Composition History
Book 2 of The Well-Tempered Clavier was composed about twenty years after Book 1, when Bach was in his late fifties and already an established composer.
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