Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach with "The Essential J.S. Bach," a meticulously curated collection of his most revered works. Released on September 28, 2025, under Naxos Special Projects, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the Baroque master's prolific output.
Featuring 35 tracks, the album showcases Bach's extraordinary versatility and mastery across various genres and instruments. From the intricate counterpoint of "Prelude & Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846" to the serene beauty of "Aria. Schafe können sicher weiden" (Sheep May Safely Graze) and the iconic "Air on the G String," each piece is a testament to Bach's enduring influence on classical music.
The album includes a diverse range of compositions, such as the powerful "Toccata and Fugue" and the contemplative "Ave Maria," demonstrating Bach's ability to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's music, this collection provides an accessible yet profound introduction to his work.
Johann Sebastian Bach, a towering figure of the Baroque period, remains one of the most influential composers in Western music history. His compositions, characterized by their complexity and depth, continue to captivate audiences centuries after their creation. "The Essential J.S. Bach" is not just a compilation but a celebration of his timeless legacy, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience for all.
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