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Bach-Centricity: Concertos, Trios & Sonatas arranged for two harpsichords
£14.99
In stock
Catalogue Number
NI6454
The value of such arrangements is that they allow a wider perception into a composer’s compositional processes, and which have the potential for presenting new insights and different characteristics to particular pieces of music, which might not be evident in the originals. Hence these arrangements extend a practice that was normal in the early eighteenth century, and in this recording they are played on instruments with which Bach would have been entirely familiar. What revelations they reveal!
‘The Two Davids’, as they have sometime been called, began playing together in 2020 when they recorded Bach’s Six Organ Trio Sonatas (NI 6403) on two harpsichords. This recording elicited the following review in Choir & Organ: ‘The recording conveys a compelling sense of dialogue and sociability between two virtuoso musicians, equally at one with the material, and the alternation between instruments makes great sense of Bach’s antiphony and repeats.’ Since then they have played at the St Albans and Cambridge Festivals, as well as for music societies in various parts of the country, including The Athenaeum Club in London.
Manufacturer: Wyastone Estate Limited, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR
Email: sales@wyastone.co.uk
Reviews:
“The new recording by ‘The Two Davids’, harpsichordists David Ponsford and David Hill, Bach-Centricity, brings together the works by other composers that Bach arranged, transcribed, or copied. Some of his own works are also included… The recording, which is essentially arrangements of arrangements, i.e., Bach transcribed the works for keyboard or for strings, and David Ponsford has made arrangements of the works for 2 harpsichords, presents the listener with a wonderful point of comparison. When all these works are re-made for the same performing forces, we can listen to them in a new way. Even Bach’s own works are arranged here for 2 harpsichords, namely, his Brandenburg Concerto No. 6. Originally written in Weimar for the old-fashioned ensemble of violas de braccio, violas da gamba, cello, and continuo, when transcribed here for 2 harpsichords, the canons in the first movement come out in a new way… Listening to familiar works in new arrangements brings new realisations about not only the work itself but even the compositional process. Hearing works by composers such as the prince, who have completely fallen off the map except for Bach’s hand in preserving their work, is always rewarding.” Maureen Buja, Interlude [read complete review]
"These are splendid arrangements. They get good performances with both players (primarily organists) producing a well rounded legato touch. The instruments are far enough apart that the antiphonal effects in Ponsford’s arrangement are lucid." Bradley Lehman, American Record Guide
"Bach’s music is often arranged, but not all arrangements are stylistically convincing, especially if they are made for instruments Bach did not know. That is different here. Bach’s idiom is respected, and the arrangements remain close to the original. Add to that the engaging and lively playing, and one may appreciate that this is a delightful disc, which will obviously appeal to lovers of Bach’s music and harpsichord aficionados, but will also please anyone who likes baroque music to be played in a stylish and entertaining manner." Johan van Veen, MusicWeb International
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| Sample Tracks |
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Concerto in C Major, BWV 595: Allegro
Concerto in G, BWV 592: I. Allegro
Brandenburg Concerto, No. 6 in B Flat Major, BWV 1051: III. Allegro
Concerto in D Minor, BWV 596: III. Allegro
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0.135 kg