J.S. Bach: Transkriptionen

Description

The work of Johann Sebastian Bach has enjoyed immense popularity among the greatest pianists of the era since the 19th century. Whether Franz Liszt, Camille Saint-Saëns or Sergueï Rachmaninov, they all adapted works by the Baroque master for solo piano. Bach transcriptions for two pianos, also numerous, are less well known. Thus, the piano duo Yaara Tal & Andreas Groethuysen, awarded countless record prizes, had already caused a sensation in 2009 with their recording of Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” in the versions for two pianos by Joseph Rheinberger and Max Reger. Today, the two companions have recorded for Sony Classical a new album of special Bach transcriptions, signed by well-known arrangers such as Cyril Scott, but also by musicians now forgotten such as Gustav Clemens Felix Krug and Alexander Kelberine. It includes versions for two pianos of cantata arias, the important Passacaglia for organ in C minor or the Sixth Brandenburg Concerto. “Bach’s work contains a multitude of masterpieces that have evolved over the centuries to become true highlights,” explains Yaara Tal. “This album aims to present a selection of these works in particularly successful transcriptions for two pianos, which have unjustly fallen into oblivion.” The album begins with the aria “Schafe können sicher weiden” from the cantata “Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd” BWV 208, arranged by the American Mary Howe (1882-1964). The German Wagnerian Gustav Clemens Felix Krug (1844-1902) is the author of the version of the famous Sixth Brandenburg Concerto. And while the Russian-American pianist Victor Babin (1908-1972) adapted one of the best-known chorales, “Jesu bleibet meine Freude,” for two pianos, the transcription of “Nun komm der Heiden Heiland” BWV 659 was made by Alexander Kelberine (1903-1940). Two melodies particularly caught Yaara Tal’s attention. These are the Andante from the Violin Sonata in A minor BWV 1003, arranged by Cyril Scott (1879-1970), and the Adagio from the Organ Toccata in C major BWV 564, arranged by Alexander Kelberine. “I don’t know of any more beautiful melodies!” says Yaara Tal. The recording was made in co-production by BR-Klassik and Sony Classical