Ferruccio Busoni's "Bach - Busoni: Goldberg Variations & Other Works" is a captivating journey through the timeless compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach, masterfully interpreted and transcribed by the renowned pianist and composer Ferruccio Busoni. Released on Linn Records in January 2021, this classical piano album spans a concise yet engaging 57 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical exploration.
The album centers around Busoni's celebrated transcription of Bach's "Goldberg Variations," a monumental work that showcases Busoni's technical prowess and artistic sensitivity. Each of the thirty variations is a testament to Busoni's ability to breathe new life into Bach's original compositions, revealing layers of depth and nuance that continue to resonate with audiences today.
In addition to the "Goldberg Variations," the album includes other notable works such as the "Inversion of Variation 15 (Canone alla quinta)" from the Goldberg Variations, the "Sonatina 'in diem Nativitatis Christi MCMXVII'" (No. 4), and the transcendent "Chaconne" from Bach's Partita for Violin No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004. These pieces further demonstrate Busoni's versatility and his deep connection to Bach's music.
Ferruccio Busoni's interpretations are marked by their clarity, precision, and expressive depth, making this album a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Bach's works or a newcomer to classical piano music, "Bach - Busoni: Goldberg Variations & Other Works" offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
2021 Outhere2021 Linn Records
Tracks
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: I. Largamente e cantatoChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: II. Allegro con freschezza, e decisoChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: III. Andantino, dolceChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: IV. Lo stesso movimentoChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: V. Allegro, non troppoChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: VI. Allegretto tranquilloChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: VII. Allegro scherzandoChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: VIII. AllegroChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: IX. Alla breveChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: X. Lostesso tempo, più vivaceChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XI. Andante con grazia [ossia]Chiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XII. Allegro ritenutoChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XIII. Quasi adagioChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XIV. Allegretto piacevoleChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XV. Allegretto vivace [Variante des Herausgebers]Chiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XVI. Alla breveChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XVII. Non AllegroChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XVIII. AdagioChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XIX. Allegro correnteChiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XX. Andante brillante [Version des Herausgebers]Chiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Goldberg Variations (‘Air with Thirty Variations’), BWV 988: XXI. Allegro non troppo – Frisch und volkstümlich, doch nicht ohne Würde – Largamente (Aria)Chiyan Wong, Johann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni
Inversion of Variation 15 (Canone alla quinta) from Bach’s Goldberg Variations, BWV 988Chiyan Wong
Sonatina "in diem Nativitatis Christi MCMXVII" (No. 4), BV 274Ferruccio Busoni, Chiyan Wong
Partita for Violin No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004: V. ChaconneJohann Sebastian Bach, Ferruccio Busoni, Chiyan Wong