Bachcast - biberfan

John listens to recordings of Bach's sixth English Suite for 2 hands

BWV 1020 may not be by Bach; but it's a strong sonata that has been played by different instruments, most notably flute or violin

We listen to several versions of the Sinfonia, and two recordings of the cantata.

My first discovery of the world of baroque music is tied to this very concerto. I survey a number of excellent recordings. Andreas Staier with FBO Francesco Cera with I Barocchisi Pierre Hantaï with Le Concert Français Sergio Ciomei with Europa Galante The harpsichord concertos by Bach are believed by some to all be arrangements of concertos Bach originally wrote for different instruments. In the case of BWV 1054, we have the surviving version for violin, the Concerto in E, BWV 1042. The harpsichord version differs, with Bach adding more idiomatic material for the harpsichord in several sections. Formally, the first and second movement contain more musical material and a short finale closes the concerto in the similar affable, cheery style that opened the concerto with a major triad.

John explores favorite renditions from the first suite for solo cello, including from Yo-Yo Ma's new recording on Sony Classical

BWV 538 is one of the "big" toccata and fugue pairs by J.S. Bach

Bach's third partita contains some amazing music which despite being grounded in dance forms, elicit today a variety of interpretations.

This is a ripe example of Bach's ability to craft something quite interesting from a small germ of an idea. We listen to performances on keyboard and on strings.

Different performances highlight some of the nuances left behind in Bach's writing; choices in tempo, phrasing, strong/weak notes, and more.

In the end, despite the revision by Bach, John prefers the earlier version for two violins

In this episode, I explore the desire to realize this piece using an instrument that both has good attack but also sustaining power. It feels like an excellent candidate for the piano. Features a performance by Andreas Staier.

In this episode we find thematic links between movements in Bach's final suites for keyboard in his opus 1.

John examines elements of interpretation across different recordings.

Comparing performances between two cantatas Bach used for the celebration of men in secular settings

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We look at several readings, focusing on those beyond a single keyboard

John examines 6 versions of the sonata, BWV 1029, choosing favorites

We compare a variety of solutions to performance challenges in Bach's first French suite among five albums, two using piano, three using harpsichord

John compares two recordings that highlight Bach's profound inventive approach toward a familiar Lutheran chorale with modern touches.

Bach's third orchestral suite contains his famous air.

Comparison of recordings of Bach's second solo violin partita

Bach is up to a theme with variations game

3 performances, 3 instruments

BWV 1001

Discussion of Bach's WTC project and comparisons of performances

What was the style of solo violin music around the time of Bach?

We also look at several arrangements that are musically satisfying

The arrangements stand out for me as especially compelling

Understanding this work is different because of the existence of multiple movements

John really likes the unique interpretation by F. Gulda

We look at performances of the organ concerto, BWV 593

We listen to multiple versions of this sonata and what performers do to exploit Bach's compositional ideas

BWV 1044 - matching tempo to the acoustic space to maximize enjoyment

We look at several versions of BWV 1017 for violin and keyboard

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We continue our survey of Bach's sonatas for Violin and Keyboard

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I compare recordings by Laredo and Gould with Montanari and Rousset

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We look at solutions towards interpretation in Bach's concerto for keyboard. Show notes and more at biberfan.org

From our armchairs, what makes this music so great?

Despite controversy over whether or not this is really by Bach, it works as a powerful piece and even in arrangements.

This short piece was recently featured on the All of Bach Website project

We look at what John figures is the better version of this double concerto

We listen to several versions of BWV 997 and ruminate about Bach's relationship with the lute

We look at some different performances, including some arranged for the most striking of the suite's dances

Bach's trio sonatas for organ are excellent pieces, both on the organ and when arranged for a small ensemble. Visit the show notes at biberfan.org.

For show notes and links, visit my site, biberfan.org

Check out our Show Notes online at biberfan.org.

Likely Bach's first collection of keyboard suites, most dances dominate with right hand interest. The bourées stand out as the gems of the set.

John looks at the interpretation of the first movement and Bach's harmonic rhythm