J.S. Bach: Keyboard Works

Discography

J.S. Bach: Keyboard Works

J.S. Bach: Keyboard Works

Fantasia & Fugue, BWV 904 - English Suite No. 3, BWV 808 - The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080

Artist

Mengyue Jia

Release Date

April 21, 2023

Total Duration

51:24

Tracks

12 tracks

This recording explores three distinct genres of Johann Sebastian Bach's keyboard compositions. The program includes the expressive Fantasia and Fugue in A Minor, the structurally sophisticated English Suite No. 3, and selected contrapuncti from The Art of Fugue—Bach's ultimate exploration of counterpoint. Each work demonstrates different facets of Bach's compositional genius, from intimate expression to dance forms to intricate polyphony.

Track Listing

Fantasia & Fugue in A Minor, BWV 904

1I. Fantasia
3:34
2II. Fugue
5:03

English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808

3I. Prélude
3:21
4II. Allemande
5:24
5III. Courante
2:45
6IV. Sarabande - Les Agréments
3:38
7V&VI. Gavotte I & II
3:24
8VII. Gigue
2:56

The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080 (Selections)

9Contrapunctus I
3:44
10Contrapunctus VIII a 3
6:41
11Contrapunctus IX a 4
3:15
12Contrapunctus XI a 4
7:34

About This Recording

The Instrument

Harpsichord

Built by William Dowd, 1982

After Nicolas Blanchet (Paris, 1730)

French-style double-manual harpsichord with two sets of 8-foot strings and one set of 4-foot strings

A=415Hz, Kirnberger III temperament

Program Notes

Fantasia & Fugue

The Fantasia and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 904, was probably composed around 1725 for clavichord or harpsichord. The fantasia is expressive with sweeping scales and arpeggios, followed by a fugue with double subjects that demonstrates Bach's mastery of the form.

English Suite No. 3

The English Suite No. 3 in G Minor represents Bach's perfection of the Baroque dance suite. Following the standard Allemande-Courante-Sarabande-Gigue structure with additional dances between, this suite features a beautifully embellished sarabande, an energetic gavotte, and a fugal gigue with a unique subject.

The Art of Fugue

The Art of Fugue is the culmination of Bach's lifelong exploration of counterpoint. This recording presents four contrapuncti (nos. 1, 8, 9, 11) demonstrating increasing complexity—from a single subject to works with two and three subjects, showcasing the contrapuntal possibilities inherent in a single musical theme.

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