Bach: the Complete Works For Keyboard 2: Towards the No

Benjamin Alard (organ & claviorganum & Gerlinde Sämann (soprano)

In this second instalment of complete keyboard works, Benjamin Alard demonstrates with splendid eloquence how invaluable the young Bach’s north German experience proved to be; his attentive examination of the works of the great organ masters and his craving for all kinds of music significantly broadened the stylistic foundations of his keyboard writing.

The wide range of works presented here, complemented by pieces by Buxtehude, Reinken and Pachelbel, illustrates in exemplary fashion the power of a master in the making.

Bach, J S:
 Canzona in D minor, BWV588
 Chorale Partita BWV766 'Christ, der du bist der heilige Tag'
 Chorale Prelude BWV712 'In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr'
 Chorale Prelude BWV714 'Ach Gott und Herr'
 Chorale Prelude BWV719 'Der Tag der ist so freudenreich'
 Chorale Prelude BWV721 'Erbarm' dich mein, o Herre Gott'
 Chorale Prelude BWV737 'Vater unser im Himmelreich'
 Chorale Prelude BWV765 'Wir glauben all' an einen Gott'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1085 'O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1090 'Wir Christenleut'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1093 'Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1095 'O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1098 'Wir glauben all an einen Gott'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1100 'Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1101 'Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1102 'Du Friedefürst, Herr Jesu Christ'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1106 'Gott ist mein Heil, mein Hilf und Trost'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1108 'Als Jesus Christus in der Nacht'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1110 'O Herre Gott, dein göttlich Wort'
 Chorale Prelude BWV1120 'Christ, der du bist der helle Tag'
 Fantasia in G minor, BWV917 'duobus subjectis'
 Fugue in A minor, BWV959
 Keyboard Sonata in A minor (after Reincken), BWV965
 Keyboard Sonata in C major, BWV966: Adagio
 Toccata in C minor, BWV911
 Toccata in D minor, BWV913
 Toccata in E minor, BWV914

Buxtehude:
 Fugue for Organ in C major, BuxWV 174: Gigue

"One of the great pleasures of these discs, beyond Alard’s smooth renditions and clarifying fingerwork, is his choice of instruments, in particular a claviorganum built in 2009-10…Alard’s playing is rhythmically free, fleet and unpretentious."
Gramophone Magazine - July 2019

"Alard’s Bach journey continues to inspire. This time he takes us northwards – mixing in Buxtehude, Pachelbel and Reinken is inspired. The instruments, including a bizarre harpsichord/organ hybrid, are fascinating."
BBC Music Magazine - August 2019 ****

Identifying Bach’s early stylistic development, this release contains insightful sleeve notes and displays playing of the highest calibre, recorded skilfully on carefully chosen instruments. Whether you own a recording of the complete keyboard works or not, this set is a must for anyone with a desire to deepen their understanding of Bach’s inspiration.
Choir & Organ - October 2019 *****