Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Johann Sebastian Bach with "The Essential J.S. Bach," a meticulously curated collection of his most celebrated works. Released on September 28, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the Baroque master's vast repertoire.
From the intricate fugues and delicate preludes to the majestic chorales and lively dances, this compilation showcases Bach's unparalleled mastery of composition. The album features iconic pieces such as the "Air on the G String," the spirited "Badinerie," and the profound "Ave Maria," alongside lesser-known gems that reveal the depth and breadth of Bach's genius.
Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Baroque music, "The Essential J.S. Bach" provides an enriching experience. The album's diverse selection of works for piano and orchestra highlights Bach's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from the contemplative and serene to the exuberant and joyful. Each piece is performed with precision and passion, bringing Bach's music to life in a way that is both authentic and accessible.
This album is not just a collection of tracks; it's a testament to Bach's enduring influence and his ability to create music that transcends time. "The Essential J.S. Bach" is a celebration of one of history's greatest composers, offering a glimpse into the soul of a musical genius.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
I. (Allegro)Johann Sebastian Bach, Niklas Eklund, Swiss Baroque Soloists, Andrés Gabetta
Chorale. Jesus bleibet meine FreudeJohann Sebastian Bach, Istvan Gati, Hungarian Radio Chorus, Budapest Failoni Chamber Orchestra, Matyas Antal
I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Maria Kliegel
VII. BadinerieJohann Sebastian Bach, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek
I. MagnificatJohann Sebastian Bach, Siri Karoline Thornhill, Mira Graczyk, Sophia Körber, Anna Karmasin, Theresa Holzhauser, Florence Losseau, Markus Schäfer, Robert Sellier, Andreas Mattersberger, Niklas Mallmann, Concerto de Bassus, Franz Hauk
AriaJohann Sebastian Bach, Jenő Jandó
Wir setzen uns mit Tränen niederJohann Sebastian Bach, Dresdner Kammerchor, Knaben des Kölner Domchores, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
I. PreludioJohann Sebastian Bach, Ilya Kaler
Prelude & Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Jenő Jandó
Jauchzet, frohlocketJohann Sebastian Bach, Mainz Bach Choir, Mainz Bach Orchestra, Ralf Otto
Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWV 208, "Hunt Cantata": Aria. Schafe können sicher weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze) [arr. R. Hayman]Johann Sebastian Bach, Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hayman
III. Allegro assaiJohann Sebastian Bach, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
No. 8 in F Major, BWV 779Johann Sebastian Bach, Janos Sebestyen
Ave MariaCharles Gounod, Johann Sebastian Bach, Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hayman
Chorale. Das Wort sie sollen lassen stahnJohann Sebastian Bach, Ingrid Kertesi, Jozsef Mukk, Judit Nemeth, Istvan Gati, Hungarian Radio Chorus, Budapest Failoni Chamber Orchestra, Matyas Antal
II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Hae Won Chang, Camerata Cassovia, Robert Stankovsky
IV. PrestoJohann Sebastian Bach, Ilya Kaler
No. 1, Herr, unser HerrscherJohann Sebastian Bach, Bachchor Mainz, Bachorchester Mainz, Hille Perl, Joachim Held, Sabine Bauer, Petra Morath-Pusinelli, Ralf Otto
I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Janos Sebestyen
II. SicilianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Petri Alanko, Anssi Mattila
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Rübsam
II. Air "Air on the G String"Johann Sebastian Bach, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
I. VivaceJohann Sebastian Bach, Christine Pichlmeier, Lisa Stewart, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
XXVII. Dona nobis pacem - Remastered 2023Johann Sebastian Bach, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Robert Shaw
VII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Laurence Cummings
I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
Minuet in G Major, BWV Anh. 114Johann Sebastian Bach, Janos Sebestyen
I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
V. Bourree I and IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexander Rudin
No. 54, O Haupt, voll Blut und WundenJohann Sebastian Bach, Bachchor Mainz, Bachorchester Mainz, Jan Čižmář, Petra Morath-Pusinelli, Ralf Otto
I. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach, Ilya Kaler
II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Christian Hommel, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
V. Bourree I and IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Rübsam