Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Johann Sebastian Bach with the eagerly anticipated release, "Les 18 Chorals de Leipzig & Variations canoniques." Set to captivate audiences on June 13, 2025, under the esteemed Paraty label, this album is a testament to Bach's enduring genius and the virtuosity of performer Martin Gester.
Spanning a rich duration of 1 hour and 48 minutes, this collection is a profound exploration of Bach's sacred works, featuring the complete 18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668, and the intricate "Kanonische Veränderungen über das Lied Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her," BWV 769. Each piece is a masterclass in Baroque composition, showcasing Bach's unparalleled ability to weave complex counterpoint with profound spiritual expression.
Martin Gester, a name synonymous with interpretive depth and technical mastery, brings these works to life with a sensitivity that honors Bach's original intent while adding a layer of contemporary resonance. Gester's performance is not just a rendition but a dialogue with the past, inviting listeners to experience the music anew.
The album is a journey through some of Bach's most cherished chorales, each prelude a miniature masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of its corresponding hymn. From the contemplative "Komm, Heiliger Geist" to the triumphant "Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr," Gester navigates the emotional and technical landscapes of these works with finesse.
Complementing the chorales are the "Kanonische Veränderungen," a series of variations that demonstrate Bach's ingenuity and playfulness. These variations, based on the Christmas hymn "Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her," are a testament to Bach's ability to transform a simple melody into a canvas for endless exploration.
"Les 18 Chorals de Leipzig & Variations canoniques" is more than just an album; it's an invitation to delve into the heart of Bach's musical legacy. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's music, this album promises an enriching and enlightening experience. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and transported by the timeless beauty of Bach's chorales and the masterful interpretation of Martin Gester.
2025 Paraty2025 Paraty
Tracks
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 1, Fantasia super Komm, Heiliger Geist, BWV 651Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 2, Komm, Heiliger Geist, BWV 652Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 3, An Wasserflüssen Babylon, BWV 653Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 4, Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele, BWV 654Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 5, Trio super Herr Jesu Christ dich zu uns wend, BWV 655Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 6, O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig, BWV 656Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 7, Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 657Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 8, Von Gott will ich nicht lassen, BWV 658Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 9, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 10, Trio super Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 660Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 11, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 661Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 12, Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr, BWV 662Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 13, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 663Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 14, Trio super Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 664Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 15, Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 665Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 16, Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 666Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 17, Komm, Gott, Schöpfer, Heiliger Geist, BWV 667Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
18 Chorale Preludes, BWV 651-668: No. 18, Vor deinen Thron tret' ich, Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sein, BWV 668Johann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
Kanonische Veränderungen über das Lied Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769: Var. I. nel canone all'ottava, à 2 claviers et pédaleJohann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
Kanonische Veränderungen über das Lied Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769: Var. II. alio modo nel canone alla quinta, à 2 claviers et pédaleJohann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
Kanonische Veränderungen über das Lied Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769: Var. III. Canone alla settima - CantabileJohann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
Kanonische Veränderungen über das Lied Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769: Var. IV. à 2 claviers et pédale per augmentation, nel canone all'ottavaJohann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
Kanonische Veränderungen über das Lied Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, BWV 769: Var. V. L'altra sorte del canone al rovescio : 1 alla terza, 2 alla sesta, 3 alla seconda, 4 alla nona, diminutio, alla strettaJohann Sebastian Bach, Martin Gester
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