Bach JS: Six Partitas BWV 825 - 830, 2 CD Set

Catalogue # ECM200102

Ravishing sound, flawless technique- this was Readings CD of the Year 2009. 'The most ingenious performer of Bach today.' (SF Chronicle)

The cycle, which in 1731 was the first group of works to be published by Bach himself, represents a unique stylistic synthesis of the suite form with a particular emphasis on most varied and imaginative opening movements. Compared to his London studio recording of 1983 this second rendering on disc demonstrates Schiff’s stylistic development towards more freedom, sonic depth and sheer pleasure of phrasing. The pianist’s rather unorthodox sequence of the partitas - 5 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 4 – 6 - draws an ascending line of keys leading from G major to e minor and reflects a long experience with the pieces in concert.

Disc 1
1. Partita V in G major, BWV 829 - Praeambulum
2. Allemande
3. Corrente
4. Sarabande
5. Tempo di Minuetta
6. Passepied
7. Gigue
8. Partita III in a minor, BWV 827 - Fantasia
9. Allemande
10. Corrente 11. Sarabande 12. Burlesca
13. Scherzo 14. Gigue
15. Partita I in B-flat major, BWV 825 - Praeludium
16. Allemande
17. Corrente
18. Sarabande
19. Menuet I 20. Menuet II
21. Gigue
22. Partita II in c minor, BWV 826 - Sinfonia
23. Allemande
24. Courante
25. Sarabande
26. Rondeau
27. Capriccio

Disc 2
1. Partita IV in D major, BWV 828 - Ouverture
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Aria
5. Sarabande
6. Menuet
7. Gigue
8. Partita VI in e minor, BWV 830 - Toccata
9. Allemanda
10. Corrente
11. Air
12. Sarabande
13. Tempo di Gavotta
14. Gigue