Johann Sebastian Bach - Brendel plays Bach

Alfred Brendel unfortunately recorded very little Bach and it's a shame since as evinced here he clearly has an affinity for this repertoire. His exceptional contrapuntal clarity and imaginative use of embellishment in the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue for instance is remarkably well considered if not unique. His performance of Busoni's transcription of Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland as well is equally stunning, reminiscent of the efforts of another of the great Bach pianists of his generation Wilhelm Kempff. Unlike most of Brendel's Philips recordings as well, this one sounds seamless instead edited to death. Those looking for a distinguished alternative to Glenn Gould are strongly encouraged to give Brendel here a listen. (Release Date: 12/22/2005)

1. Italian Concerto, BWV 971 by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Period: Baroque
Written: 1735; Leipzig, Germany

2. Orgelbüchlein: Ich ruf'zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639 by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Period: Baroque
Written: circa 1703; Arnstadt, Germany

Notes: Arranged: Busoni
3. Prelude in A minor, BWV 922 by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Period: Baroque

4. Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Period: Baroque
Written: circa 1720; Cöthen, Germany

5. Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Period: Baroque
Written: by 1723; ?Weimar, Germany
Notes: Arranged: Busoni

6. Fantasia and Fugue in A minor, BWV 904 by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Alfred Brendel (Piano)
Period: Baroque
Written: circa 1725; Leipzig, Germany
Notes: Arranged: Busoni