Immerse yourself in the timeless mastery of Johann Sebastian Bach with "Gustav Leonhardt Plays Bach," a meticulously crafted collection of some of Bach's most renowned works. Released on May 7, 2012, under the prestigious Deutsche Harmonia Mundi label, this album is a testament to the enduring brilliance of Bach's compositions and the exquisite artistry of Gustav Leonhardt.
Spanning a generous 4 hours and 21 minutes, this album features the complete "The Well-Tempered Clavier," both Book I and Book II, a monumental series of preludes and fugues that showcase Bach's unparalleled skill in counterpoint and harmonic innovation. Each piece is a masterclass in baroque composition, offering a rich tapestry of musical ideas that continue to inspire and captivate.
The album also includes selections from "Die Kunst der Fuge," BWV 1080, a profound exploration of fugal writing that demonstrates Bach's deep understanding of contrapuntal techniques. Leonhardt's interpretation brings a sense of clarity and precision to these complex works, highlighting the intricate interplay of voices and the profound emotional depth of Bach's music.
Gustav Leonhardt, a renowned harpsichordist and conductor, brings his extensive knowledge and deep reverence for Bach's music to this recording. His playing is marked by a sensitive touch and a keen ear for historical performance practices, providing a listening experience that is both authentic and deeply moving.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Bach, "Gustav Leonhardt Plays Bach" offers a comprehensive and enriching journey through some of the most significant works in the classical piano repertoire. This album is not just a collection of pieces but a celebration of Bach's genius and Leonhardt's mastery, making it an essential addition to any music lover's collection.
(P) 2012 Sony Music Entertainment Germany GmbH
Tracks
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C Minor, BWV 847Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in C-Sharp Major, BWV 848Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 4 in C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 7 in E-Flat Major, BWV 852Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 8 in E-Flat Minor, BWV 853Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 9 in E Major, BWV 854Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E Minor, BWV 855Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 11 in F Major, BWV 856Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 13 in F-Sharp Major, BWV 858Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 14 in F-Sharp Minor, BWV 859Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in G Major, BWV 860Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 16 in G Minor, BWV 861Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A-Flat Major, BWV 862Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 18 in G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 19 in A Major, BWV 864Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 20 in A Minor, BWV 865Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 21 in B-Flat Major, BWV 866Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 22 in B-Flat Minor, BWV 867Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 23 in B Major, BWV 868Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude and Fugue No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 869Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C major, BWV 870Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C minor, BWV 871Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in C sharp major, BWV 872Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 4 in C sharp minor, BWV 873Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D major, BWV 874Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 6 in D minor, BWV 875Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 7 in E flat major, BWV 876Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 8 in E flat minor, BWV 877Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 9 in E major, BWV 878Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E minor, BWV 879Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 11 in F major, BWV 880Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 12 in F minor, BWV 881Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 13 in F sharp major, BWV 882Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 14 in F sharp minor, BWV 883Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in G major, BWV 884Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 16 in G minor, BWV 885Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 17 in A flat major, BWV 886Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 18 in G sharp minor, BWV 887Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 19 in A major, BWV 888Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 20 in A minor, BWV 889Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 21 in B-Flat Major, BWV 890Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 22 in B flat minor, BWV 891Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 23 in B major, BWV 892Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Prelude and Fugue No. 24 in B minor, BWV 893Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 4Johann Sebastian Bach, Gustav Leonhardt