Experience the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach's masterpieces, reimagined and performed with exquisite skill by Geoffrey Saba in this captivating concert album. Recorded live on August 31, 2001, and released under the Carnegie Concerts label, this collection offers a rich tapestry of classical piano works that showcase Saba's virtuosity and deep connection to the Baroque era.
The album opens with Bach's Partita No. 1 in B Flat, BWV 825, a suite that includes the graceful Prelude, the stately Allemande, the flowing Corrente, the poignant Sarabande, the elegant Menuets, and the lively Gigue. Saba's interpretation brings out the intricate beauty and rhythmic vitality of these pieces, making them feel both familiar and fresh.
The concert continues with selections from Bach's Symphony No. 3 and Flute Sonata No. 2, BWV 1031, showcasing Saba's ability to convey the depth and nuance of Bach's compositions. The album also features a moving rendition of the Prelude to Cantata, BWV 29, "Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir," highlighting Saba's expressive range and technical prowess.
In addition to Bach's works, the album includes a selection of Rachmaninoff's Eight Etudes-Tableaux, Op. 33, demonstrating Saba's versatility and mastery of Romantic-era piano music. The etudes, ranging from the introspective to the fiery, offer a dynamic contrast to the Baroque pieces and showcase Saba's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes.
The album concludes with a lively and unexpected Boogie Woogie Etude, adding a playful and modern touch to the concert. This diverse and engaging program is a testament to Geoffrey Saba's artistry and his ability to connect with audiences through the power of music. With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this album is a perfect addition to any classical music lover's collection.
(C) 2001 Geoffrey Saba(P) 2001 Geoffrey Saba
Tracks
Partita No. 1 in B Flat, BMV 825: PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Partita No. 1 in B Flat, BMV 825: AllemandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Partita No. 1 in B Flat, BMV 825: CorrenteJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Partita No. 1 in B Flat, BMV 825: SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Partita No. 1 in B Flat, BMV 825: Menuet 1 & 2Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Partita No. 1 in B Flat, BMV 825: GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Symphony No. 3 : MenuettoJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Flute Sonata No. 2, BMV 1031: SicilianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Prelude to Cantata, BMV 29: "Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir"Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 33: Allegro non troppoJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 2 in C, Op. 33: AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 3 (Op Posth) in C Minor, Op. 33: GraveJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 5 (Op Posth) in D Minor, Op. 33: ModeratoJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 6 in E Flat Minor, Op. 33: Non Allegro-PrestoJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 7 in E Flat, Op. 33: Allegro con fuocoJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 8 In G Minor, Op. 33: ModeratoJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Eight Etudes-Tableaux No. 9, in C Sharp Minor, Op. 33: GraveJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba
Boogie Woogie EtudeJohann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Morton Gould, Geoffrey Saba