Bach Piano 1
Pianist Judith Lambden continues her project to record Bach's keyboard works. This CD includes four toccatas, the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, and the Italian Concerto.
It begins with four of Bach's Toccatas, which are amongst his earliest compositions. They are full of youthful passion and intensity. free and improvisatory. These "touch" pieces from "toccare" to touch, originated in Italy. They would be used to try out a new harpsichord or organ, and also to display the player's brilliance.
The Chromatic Fantasia also has many flourishes, and includes dramatic
recitative-like melodies. The fugue which follows has a chromatic scale in its subject, with contrasting light episodes. It is a formal work and builds up to a magnificent ending.
The Italian Concerto, published by Bach in 1735, is influenced by the style of Italian composers such as Vivaldi. The solo instrument is strong and is complemented by the quieter imitation of a string orchestra. There is a slow Aria-like middle movement, and the two outer movements which are joyous and exuberant, are very much in the Italian spirit.
Artist
Judith Lambden
Judith was born in Creswick, Victoria in Australia, She graduated from the Melbourne University Conservatorium with a B.Mus(Hons) degree. While still in Melbourne for a further seven years, her teachers were Gordon McKeown for piano and John Ingram for theory and composition. She won many prizes and made national broadcast performances for ABC radio.
Press quotes
“Lambden’s exceptional artistry … creates a compelling and vibrant musical narrative. Throughout the album, Lambden’s profound connection to Bach’s music is evident, as she brings out the nuances and ever-changing characters of each composition. Her daring vision of negotiating between authentic and innovative performance styles of Bach’s works adds a unique dimension to the recordings. While this may not be a recording that brings a drastic change to the piano scene, it is undoubtedly one that will consistently inspire and captivate listeners with every listening.”
Read full review— Toby Wong, Music Trust e-zine Loud Mouth
“As a distinguishing feature to the CD, she begins with four of the seven toccatas for keyboard: BWV 911 in C minor, BWV 912 in D Major, BWV 913 in D minor and BWV 914 in E minor. These last-mentioned tracks are the more interesting components in this offering, works that don’t get much exposure, except for the BWV 912 which, in my experience, is one of the more manageable of the set ... her readings have a reassuring probity and communicate a sense that an informed musical personality is at work.”
Read full review— Clive O'Connell, O'Connell the Music
Track Listing
- Toccata in C minor, BWV 911 Johann Sebastian Bach
- Toccata in D major, BWV 912 Johann Sebastian Bach
- Toccata in E minor, BWV 914 Johann Sebastian Bach
- Toccata in D minor, BWV 913 Johann Sebastian Bach
- Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue, BWV 903 Johann Sebastian Bach
- [ ]
- Andante
- Presto
Italian Concerto in F major, BWV 971 Johann Sebastian Bach
Performers
- Judith Lambden · piano
Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist whose sacred and secular works for choir, orchestra, and solo instruments drew together the strands of the Baroque period and brought it to its ultimate maturity.
Where to buy
Bach Piano 1 is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through
Apple Music.
Bach Piano 1 is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.
Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.
