Bachcast - biberfan: Recent Episodes
John Hendron
Discover outstanding recordings of Bach's music and some of the interesting details in Bach's works. Each episode is dedicate to one work by J.S. Bach.
BWV 1020 may not be by Bach; but it's a strong sonata that has been played by different instruments, most notably flute or violin
We listen to several versions of the Sinfonia, and two recordings of the cantata.
My first discovery of the world of baroque music is tied to this very concerto. I survey a number of excellent recordings.
- Andreas Staier with FBO
- Francesco Cera with I Barocchisi
- Pierre Hantaï with Le Concert Français
- Sergio Ciomei with Europa Galante
The harpsichord concertos by Bach are believed by some to all be arrangements of concertos Bach originally wrote for different instruments. In the case of BWV 1054, we have the surviving version for violin, the Concerto in E, BWV 1042. The harpsichord version differs, with Bach adding more idiomatic material for the harpsichord in several sections. Formally, the first and second movement contain more musical material and a short finale closes the concerto in the similar affable, cheery style that opened the concerto with a major triad.
John explores favorite renditions from the first suite for solo cello, including from Yo-Yo Ma's new recording on Sony Classical
Bach's third partita contains some amazing music which despite being grounded in dance forms, elicit today a variety of interpretations.
This is a ripe example of Bach's ability to craft something quite interesting from a small germ of an idea. We listen to performances on keyboard and on strings.
Different performances highlight some of the nuances left behind in Bach's writing; choices in tempo, phrasing, strong/weak notes, and more.
In the end, despite the revision by Bach, John prefers the earlier version for two violins
In this episode, I explore the desire to realize this piece using an instrument that both has good attack but also sustaining power. It feels like an excellent candidate for the piano.
Features a performance by Andreas Staier.
In this episode we find thematic links between movements in Bach's final suites for keyboard in his opus 1.
Comparing performances between two cantatas Bach used for the celebration of men in secular settings
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John examines 6 versions of the sonata, BWV 1029, choosing favorites
We compare a variety of solutions to performance challenges in Bach's first French suite among five albums, two using piano, three using harpsichord
John compares two recordings that highlight Bach's profound inventive approach toward a familiar Lutheran chorale with modern touches.
Bach's third orchestral suite contains his famous air.
Comparison of recordings of Bach's second solo violin partita
BWV 1001
Discussion of Bach's WTC project and comparisons of performances
What was the style of solo violin music around the time of Bach?
We also look at several arrangements that are musically satisfying
We listen to multiple versions of this sonata and what performers do to exploit Bach's compositional ideas
BWV 1044 - matching tempo to the acoustic space to maximize enjoyment
Find out more about this episode on biberfan.org
We continue our survey of Bach's sonatas for Violin and Keyboard
I compare recordings by Laredo and Gould with Montanari and Rousset
We look at solutions towards interpretation in Bach's concerto for keyboard. Show notes and more at biberfan.org
Despite controversy over whether or not this is really by Bach, it works as a powerful piece and even in arrangements.
This short piece was recently featured on the All of Bach Website project
We look at what John figures is the better version of this double concerto
We listen to several versions of BWV 997 and ruminate about Bach's relationship with the lute
We look at some different performances, including some arranged for the most striking of the suite's dances
Bach's trio sonatas for organ are excellent pieces, both on the organ and when arranged for a small ensemble. Visit the show notes at biberfan.org.
For show notes and links, visit my site, biberfan.org
Check out our Show Notes online at biberfan.org.
Likely Bach's first collection of keyboard suites, most dances dominate with right hand interest. The bourées stand out as the gems of the set.
John looks at the interpretation of the first movement and Bach's harmonic rhythm
This episode looks at the design of Bach's longest motet and some favorite performances
John examines favorite recordings of Bach's Goldberg Variations
John looks at the role the harpsichord part has in Bach's fifth Brandenburg
BWV 4 is a special work for the host, and for Bach, it is one of his earliest surviving cantatas today, written around a melody that appears in each movement.
We focus on virtuosic violin writing in Bach, especially as it's found in his fourth Brandenburg concerto.
We look at the form of the partitas, and specifically, some of the elements common across the six pieces making up the first suite in Bach's opus 1.
John listens to Brandenburg #3, featuring a recording by Musica Antiqua, Köln
John looks at one of Bach's six motets and chooses a favorite recording. Shownotes are available at biberfan.org
John Hendron discusses the second of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos featuring a recording by Concerto Italiano
A look at the trio sonata from Bach's Musical Offering
John looks at Bach's first Brandenburg Concerto performed by la Stravaganza Hamburg