Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Johann Kuhnau's "Keyboard Works," a captivating collection of sonatas and biblical sonatas that showcase the composer's mastery of the keyboard. Released in 1992 by harmonia mundi, this album is a testament to Kuhnau's skill and creativity, offering a blend of choral and instrumental pieces that are as engaging as they are profound.
The album is divided into two main sections: the "Fresh Keyboard Fruits" sonatas and the "Biblical Sonatas." The former is a series of six sonatas, each with multiple movements, that demonstrate Kuhnau's ability to craft intricate and expressive melodies. The latter is a set of three sonatas, each inspired by a biblical story, that blend narrative and musical elements to create a unique and immersive listening experience.
From the dramatic "Combat between David and Goliath" to the tender "Melancholy of Saul Assuaged by Means of Music," Kuhnau's "Keyboard Works" is a journey through the highs and lows of the human experience. The album's duration of 1 hour and 47 minutes offers a substantial exploration of Kuhnau's oeuvre, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Baroque music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
1992 harmonia mundi usa1992 harmonia mundi usa
Tracks
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 1: I. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 1: II. AdagioJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 1: III. AllegroJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 1: IV. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 2: I. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 2: II. Molto adagioJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.2: III. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 2: IV. AdagioJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 2: V. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 3: I. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.3: II. AriaJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.3: III. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits: Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.3: IV. AriaJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 3: V. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.4: I. VivaceJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.4: II. AdagioJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No. 4: III. [No tempo indication]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.4: IV.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.5: I.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.5: II.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.5: III.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.5: IV.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.6: I. CiacconaJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.6: V. Ciaccona da capoJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.7: I.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.7: II. AdagioJohann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.7: III.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
Fresh Keyboard Fruits, Sonata No.7: IV.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": I. The boasting of Goliath.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": II. The trembling of the Israelites...Their prayer to God.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": III. The courage of David...The confidence that he puts in the help of God.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": IV. The combat between the two and their struggle; the stone is thrown...Goliath falls.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": V. The flight of the Philistines, who are pursued and slain by the Israelites.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": VI. The joy of the Israelites over their victory.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": VII. Musical Concert of the Women in honor of David.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.1, "The Combat between David and Goliath": VIII. The general Rejoicing, and the dances of joy of the People.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.2, "The melancholy of Saul assuaged by means of music": I. The sadness and the rage of the King.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.2, "The melancholy of Saul assuaged by means of music": II. [No title]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.2, "The melancholy of Saul assuaged by means of music": III. The restorative Song of David's harp.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.2, "The melancholy of Saul assuaged by means of music": IV. The calm and contented soul of Saul.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.3, "The Wedding of Jacob": I. The joy of the family of Laban at the arrival of their kinsman Jacob.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.3, "The Wedding of Jacob": II. The servitude of Jacob is indeed laborious, but it is lightened by his love for Rachel....Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.3, "The Wedding of Jacob": III. The bridal song sung by the Companions of Rachel.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.3, "The Wedding of Jacob": IV. The rejoicing for the wedding, and the Congratulations.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.3, "The Wedding of Jacob": V. The deception of Laban.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas: The Biblical Sonatas, No.3, "The Wedding of Jacob": VI. [No title]Johann Kuhnau, John Butt
The Biblical Sonatas, No.3, "The Wedding of Jacob": VII. The bridegroom content; his heart foretells him some ill; he takes heart again...The displeasure of Jacob at being deceived.Johann Kuhnau, John Butt