Bach's dedication for his Six Partitas reads like an understatement: 'Galanteries composed for music lovers, to delight their spirits,' despite their towering contrapuntal mastery.
Composition History
Bach's Six Partitas, BWV 825-30, were first published starting in 1726 and then reissued in 1731 as Part One of his Clavier-Übung and as his Opus 1.
Interpretation
Rafał Blechacz aims for clarity of tone and naturalness in his Bach interpretations, seeking to come close to the sound of a harpsichord on a grand piano.
Composition History
Three years after moving to Leipzig in 1723 to take up his new post as Thomaskantor, Bach began to publish a series of major keyboard works.
Performer Biography
Pianist Rafał Blechacz was originally fascinated by the organ and wanted to become an organist, with childhood memories closely associated with the sound of the organ in church.
Compositional Technique
The transcription of 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' on this album was prepared by English pianist Dame Myra Hess and is based on the final chorale of Bach's Cantata 147.
Interpretation
Rafał Blechacz believes Bach's slow movements should not be played in an overly Romantic manner, as their emotional world is religious or contemplative, not subjective like Chopin's.
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Bach: Partitas Nos. 1-6
Bach: Toccatas for Piano, BWV 910-916
Easy-Listening Piano Classics: Bach
Bach: Two-Part Inventions & Sinfonias and Other Keyboard Works
Bach, J.S.: Italian Concerto / Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue / 12 Little Preludes
