J. S. Bach – Concertos After Vivaldi | János Sebestyén – Harpsichord & Organ (Hungaroton Classic, 1999) CD

UPC: 5991813191229 

MPN: HCD31912 

Brand Name: Hungaroton Classic

Overview

This captivating recording, J. S. Bach – Concertos After Vivaldi, presents the virtuosic artistry of Hungarian organist and harpsichordist János Sebestyén, interpreting Bach’s masterful transcriptions of Vivaldi’s concertos. Released by Hungaroton Classic in 1999, the album bridges two Baroque giants — Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi — through dazzling performances on both organ and harpsichord. Each concerto reveals Bach’s genius in adapting Italian vigor into German contrapuntal elegance.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD
• Country: Hungary
• Label: Hungaroton Classic
• Catalog No.: HCD 31912
• Release Year: 1999
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Baroque
• Audio: Stereo
• Performer: János Sebestyén – organ, harpsichord
• Total Tracks: 18

Interesting Facts

• Bach’s Concertos After Vivaldi (BWV 972–976, 593–596) are among his most brilliant arrangements, originally transcribed from Vivaldi’s concertos for violin and orchestra.
• János Sebestyén (1931–2012) was one of Hungary’s most respected keyboard artists, known for reviving Baroque repertoire with clarity and warmth.
• The recording features authentic instruments and historically informed performance practices, creating a vivid soundscape true to the Baroque spirit.
• The cover artwork is a painting by Canaletto, visually evoking the grandeur of 18th-century Venice — the birthplace of Vivaldi’s music.
• Liner notes were prepared by Katalin Fittler, translated into multiple languages, making this edition valuable for international collectors and students of early music.

Track Listing

Concerto in A Minor BWV 593 — Organ: János Sebestyén

1. I. Without Tempo Indication – 4:00
2. II. Adagio – 4:18
3. III. Allegro – 3:46

Concerto in C Major BWV 594 — Organ: János Sebestyén

1. I. Without Tempo Indication – 7:10
2. II. Adagio – 4:20
3. III. Allegro – 8:26

Concerto in D Minor BWV 596 — Organ: János Sebestyén

1. I. Without Tempo Indication – 4:51
2. II. Largo – 3:05
3. III. Finale – 3:07

Concerto in D Major BWV 972 — Harpsichord: János Sebestyén

1. I. Without Tempo Indication – 2:20
2. II. Larghetto – 3:55
3. III. Allegro – 2:18

Concerto in C Major BWV 976 — Harpsichord: János Sebestyén

1. I. Without Tempo Indication – 3:57
2. II. Largo – 3:34
3. III. Allegro – 3:00

Concerto in G Major BWV 980 — Harpsichord: János Sebestyén

1. I. Without Tempo Indication – 4:00
2. II. Largo – 5:13
3. III. Allegro – 2:25

Publishers

• Label: Hungaroton Classic (HCD 31912)
• Producers & Engineers: Tamás Gallia (balance engineer), Katalin Pusztási (editor)
• Liner Notes: Katalin Fittler
• Translations: Andreas Neutsch, Esther Ronay, Péter Barta
• Photography: Kálmán Garas
• Cover Painting: Canaletto

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