Immerse yourself in the intricate and timeless compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach with the Emerson String Quartet's rendition of "The Art of Fugue." Released in 2003 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a masterful interpretation of Bach's final and one of his most complex works, "Die Kunst der Fuge" (The Art of Fugue), BWV 1080. The Emerson String Quartet brings a fresh perspective to these baroque masterpieces, showcasing their technical prowess and deep understanding of Bach's intricate fugal writing.
Spanning over 22 tracks, this album captures the essence of Bach's genius, from the contemplative "Contrapunctus I" to the intricate "Fuga a 3 Soggetti" and the concluding chorale "Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein." Each piece is meticulously performed, highlighting the rich textures and contrapuntal sophistication that Bach is renowned for. The album also includes a bonus track, a string quartet arrangement of Bach's chorale prelude "Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein," BWV 668a, adding an extra layer of depth to this already profound collection.
With a duration of over 79 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Bach's fugal artistry. The Emerson String Quartet's performance is marked by precision, passion, and a deep respect for the historical context, making it a standout interpretation of this monumental work. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's music, this album is a captivating exploration of one of the greatest composers in history.
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus I - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus II - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus III - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus IV - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus V - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus VI a 4 in stylo Francese "per diminutionem" - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus VII a 4 "per augmentationem et diminutionem" - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus VIII a 3 - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Eugene Drucker, Lawrence Dutton, David Finckel
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus IX a 4 alla duodecima - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus X a 4 alla decima - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XI a 4 - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Canon per augmentationem in contrario motu - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Eugene Drucker, David Finckel
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII a 4 rectus - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII a 4 inversus - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Canon alla ottava - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Lawrence Dutton, David Finckel
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Canon alla decima in contrapunto alla terza - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Eugene Drucker, Lawrence Dutton
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Canon alla duodecima in contrapunto alla quinta - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Setzer, David Finckel
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XIII a 3 rectus - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Setzer, Lawrence Dutton, David Finckel
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XIII a 3 inversus - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Eugene Drucker, Lawrence Dutton, David Finckel
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Canon per augmentationem in contrario motu "in hypodiatessaron" - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Setzer, David Finckel
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Fuga a 3 Soggetti "Contrapunctus XIV" (Incomplete) - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet
Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein, BWV 668a - Performed by String QuartetJohann Sebastian Bach, Emerson String Quartet