Alexandra Papastefanou, the pianist on this album, aims for transcriptions that transmit the original thoughts and emotions of Bach's music without changing its character or transparency.
Cultural Impact
Myra Hess's arrangement of "Jesu, joy of man's desiring" from Bach's Cantata BWV 147, published in 1926, became her most popular encore and was recorded by many famous pianists.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at the Alternative Stage of the Greek National Opera in Athens, using a Fazioli model F278 piano.
Compositional Technique
Bach's Trio Sonatas, including No. 5, were originally written for organ, utilizing the contrast of two manuals and an obbligato pedal part.
Interpretation
For her piano transcriptions, Alexandra Papastefanou prioritizes keeping the hierarchy of voices and the original architecture of Bach's compositions.
Performer Biography
Alexandra Papastefanou has extensively studied J.S. Bach's music, publishing a book on its aesthetics and performance, and performing all of his keyboard works.
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