Johann Sebastian Bach: Six Partitas

Following last year's completion of his highly-praised Beethoven cycle András Schiff returns to Bach with a superb interpretation of the six "Partitas". It was recorded live in September 2007 at Neumarkt Reitstadl, one of the best piano music venues in Europe. The cycle, which in 1731 was the first group of works to be published by Bach himself, represents a unique stylistic synthesis of the suite form with a particular emphasis on most varied and imaginative opening movements. In his 1802 biography of Bach, Nikolaus Forkel famously wrote that "such splendid compositions for the clavier had not been seen or heard before… so brilliant, harmonious, expressive and constantly novel are they."

Although his earlier Bach recordings are still available, this is Schiff’s new Bach: Compared to his London studio version of 1983 this second rendering of the Partitas on disc demonstrates Schiff's stylistic development towards more freedom, personal expression and sheer pleasure of phrasing. His playing on stage combines spontaneity and intellectual depth, ravishing sound with superb technical finish. In his personal note for the present recording Schiff writes: "Conducting the St. Matthew Passion and the B-minor Mass several times were experiences that have left an indelible mark on my piano performances: we frequently find dance movements in Bach's church music, and his instrumental works were often inspired by his sacred compositions."

The pianist’s rather unorthodox sequence of Partitas – 5 - 3 - 1 - 2 - 4 - 6 – draws an ascending line of keys leading from G major to e minor. It reflects a long experience with the pieces on stage. According to Schiff the Clavierübung “is designed to be at once enyclopaedic, scholarly and instructive. Nonetheless, the six partitas form an ideal, if long, concert program: Bach’s music succeeds over and over again in forging an intimate bond between performer and audience.”