Arash Safaian's "ÜberBach" is a captivating exploration of the timeless compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach, reimagined through a contemporary lens. Released on September 9, 2016, under the Neue Meister label, this classical album spans 57 minutes and features 15 tracks that blend traditional and modern elements seamlessly. Safaian, known for his innovative approach to classical music, collaborates with Sebastian Knauer on piano, Pascal Schumacher on vibraphone, and the Zürcher Kammerorchester to bring this unique project to life.
The album is structured around five concertos, each offering a distinct interpretation of Bach's works. From the joyous "Halleluja" inspired by Cantata BWV 142 to the intricate "Canon in C" derived from BWV 1072, Safaian masterfully weaves Bach's themes into fresh, engaging compositions. Tracks like "Empty Set" and "In Midair" showcase the depth and versatility of Bach's music, while "Modulation: Looping Bach" adds a modern twist with its looping techniques.
"ÜberBach" is not just a tribute to Bach but a testament to Arash Safaian's creative genius. The album's dynamic range, from the hauntingly beautiful "Aria" to the energetic "Toccata," offers a rich listening experience that appeals to both classical purists and contemporary music enthusiasts. Whether you're a long-time fan of Bach or a newcomer to classical music, "ÜberBach" promises a rewarding and enriching journey through the timeless melodies of a musical legend, reimagined for the modern era.
2016 Edel Germany GmbH2016 Edel Germany GmbH
Tracks
Concerto No. 1, "Infinite Games": I. Halleluja - After Alleluia, Cantata "Es Ist Uns Ein Kind Geboren", BWV 142Arash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 1, "Infinite Games": II. Canon in C - After Canon Trias Harmonica a 8, BWV 1072Arash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 1, "Infinite Games": III. Empty Set - After Aria, Cantata "Widerstehe doch der Sünde", BWV 54Arash Safaian, Sebastian Knauer, Pascal Schumacher, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 1, "Infinite Games": IV. Prelude in C - After Prelude in C Major, Nine Little Preludes, Klavierbüchlein für Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, BWV 924Arash Safaian, Sebastian Knauer, Pascal Schumacher, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 1, "Infinite Games": V. In Midair - After "Lasset uns nicht zerteilen", Chorus 27b, Johannes-Passion, BWV 245Arash Safaian, Sebastian Knauer, Pascal Schumacher, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 2, "As Above so Below": I. Folia - Collage After Cantata "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis" BWV 21, Prelude C Minor, Welltempered Clavier Book I, BWV 847 Chorus 2d, "Jesum von Nazareth", Johannes-Passion, BWV 245Arash Safaian, Sebastian Knauer, Pascal Schumacher, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 2, "As Above so Below": II. Sinfonia - After Sinfonia, Cantata "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis", BWV 21Arash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 2, "As Above so Below": III. Prelude in C Minor - After Prelude in C Minor, Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, BWV 847Arash Safaian, Sebastian Knauer, Pascal Schumacher, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Modulation: Looping BachArash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 3, "Fuge Like a Passion": I. Canon in G - After Canon Super Fa Mi, a 7. Post Tempus Musicum, BWV 1078Arash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 3, "Fuge Like a Passion": II. Little G - After Organ Fugue in G Minor, BWV 578 "The Little"Arash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 4, "Newton's Law": I. Choral Prelude - After Choral Prelude for Organ "Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf", BWV 617Arash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 4, "Newton's Law": II. Fuga XX - After Fugue in A Minor, Well-Tempered Clavier Book II, BWV 889Arash Safaian, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Knauer, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 5, "Dorian": I. Aria - After Aria, Cantata "Vergnügte Ruh, Beliebte Seelenlust", BWV 170Arash Safaian, Sebastian Knauer, Pascal Schumacher, Zürcher Kammerorchester
Concerto No. 5, "Dorian": II. Toccata - After Organ Toccata in D Minor "Dorian", BWV 538Arash Safaian, Sebastian Knauer, Pascal Schumacher, Zürcher Kammerorchester
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