"Les Plaisirs" - Baroque Masterpieces

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach with "Les Plaisirs" - Baroque Masterpieces, a captivating collection of his most celebrated works. Set for release on May 2, 2025, via Sony Classical, this album spans a generous 1 hour and 27 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical piano and orchestral pieces that showcase Bach's unparalleled genius.

The album opens with a selection of Bach's sacred cantatas, including the serene "Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren" and the beloved "Jesus bleibet meine Freude," also known as "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." These pieces are followed by the profound "Ertöt' und durch dein' Güte" and the stirring "Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ."

The instrumental works on "Les Plaisirs" are equally compelling. The Concerto grosso in F minor unfolds with a sense of drama and grace, while the Ouverture-Suite in TWV 55:a2 offers a delightful journey through the Baroque dance forms, from the stately Ouverture to the lively Passepieds and the elegant Polonaise.

The centerpiece of the album is Bach's monumental Goldberg Variations, BWV 988. This intricate and varied set of 30 variations, framed by the hauntingly beautiful Aria, demonstrates Bach's extraordinary contrapuntal skill and melodic inventiveness. Each variation is a gem in its own right, ranging from the playful to the profound.

The album concludes with two more cantatas, the comforting "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan" and the uplifting "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme," followed by the serene "Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten." Throughout "Les Plaisirs," Bach's music shines with a luminous clarity, offering a profound and uplifting listening experience that is sure to resonate with both longtime admirers and new listeners alike.