Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach's masterpieces, reimagined for the modern era by the virtuoso Víkingur Ólafsson. Released on September 7, 2018, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to Bach's enduring influence and Ólafsson's exceptional artistry. Spanning a diverse array of compositions, from the intricate fugues of the Well-Tempered Clavier to the transcendent beauty of the chorale preludes, this collection offers a comprehensive journey through Bach's musical genius.
The album features 35 tracks, meticulously curated to showcase the depth and breadth of Bach's work. Each piece is performed with a level of technical prowess and emotional resonance that only Ólafsson can deliver. The duration of the album is 1 hour and 17 minutes, providing a substantial and satisfying listening experience.
Highlights include the transcendent "Prelude & Fugue in E Minor" from the Well-Tempered Clavier, the hauntingly beautiful "Widerstehe doch der Sünde," and the intricate "Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor." The album also features several transcriptions, including works originally composed for organ and violin, expertly adapted for the piano by renowned musicians such as Wilhelm Kempff, Ferruccio Busoni, and Sergey Rachmaninov.
This album is not just a collection of Bach's greatest hits; it is a celebration of his enduring legacy and a showcase of Ólafsson's extraordinary talent. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Bach, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the timeless beauty of Bach's music and the innovative spirit of Ólafsson's interpretations.
Prelude & Fughetta in G Major, BWV 902: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein, Chorale Prelude BWV 734 (Transcr. Wilhelm Kempff)Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Prelude & Fugue in E Minor (Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 10), BWV 855: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Prelude & Fugue in E Minor (Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 10), BWV 855: II. FugueJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Organ Sonata No. 4, BWV 528: II. Andante [Adagio] (Transcr. by August Stradal)Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Prelude & Fugue in D Major (Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 5), BWV 850: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Prelude & Fugue in D Major (Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 5), BWV 850: II. FugueJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Nun komm der Heiden Heiland, Chorale Prelude BWV 659 (Transcr. by Ferruccio Busoni)Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Prelude & Fugue in C Minor (Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 2), BWV 847: I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Prelude & Fugue in C Minor (Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 2), BWV 847: II. FugueJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV 54 (Transcr. by Víkingur Ólafsson)Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: AriaJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation I. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation IIIJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation IV. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation V. Un poco allegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation VI. AndanteJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation VII. Un poco allegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation VIII. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation IXJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Variation XJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Aria variata (alla maniera italiana) in A Minor, BWV 989: Aria da capoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Invention No. 12 in A Major, BWV 783Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Sinfonia No. 12 in A Major, BWV 798Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Suite from the Partita No. 3 in E Major for Solo Violin, BWV 1006: II. Gavotte (Transcr. by Sergey Rachmaninov)Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Prelude in E Minor, BWV 855/I (Arr. Siloti in B Minor)Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Sinfonia No. 15 in B Minor, BWV 801Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Invention No. 15 in B Minor, BWV 786Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: I. AndanteJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: II. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: III. PrestoJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Ich ruf zu dir Herr Jesu Christ, Chorale Prelude BWV 639 (Transcr. by Ferruccio Busoni)Johann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Fantasia & Fugue in A Minor, BWV 904: I. FantasiaJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson
Fantasia & Fugue in A Minor, BWV 904: II. FugueJohann Sebastian Bach, Víkingur Ólafsson