Bach, J S: Partitas Nos. 1-6, BWV825-830
Performed by Jory Vinikour (harpsichord)
The six partitas for harpsichord by Johann Sebastian Bach are among the greatest and most inspired works of all keyboard literature. Although they are the first works that Bach decided to publish, they represent the composer’s genius at the height of his maturity, matched only by the Goldberg Variations.
Performed on a stunning copy of a North German instrument of Bach’s time, rich and expressive, but also clear and incisive, built by Tom and Barbara Wolf, each of the partitas is a microcosm, ranging from the poetic and pastoral (no. 1, in B flat Major), to the epic and tragic (no. 6, in e minor).
Bach shows himself to be playful, profound, meditative, theatrical, virtuoso – and always the greatest composer of counterpoint of all time.
Jory Vinikour’s debut recording for Sono Luminus, The Complete Harpsichord Works of Jean-Philippe Rameau was nominated for a GRAMMY® award, in the category of Best Classical Solo Instrumental Recording in 2013. His follow-up recording, Toccatas: Modern American Music for Harpsichord received the same honor two years later.
Here is Mr. Vinikour at a performance at the Library of Congress:
