Johann Sebastian Bach - Concertos after Vivaldi, Telemann, Marcello / János Sebestyén (1990) CD

UPC: 5991813133229

MPN: HCD 31332

Brand Name: Hungaroton Classic

Overview

This exceptional 1990 Hungaroton Classic audio CD features renowned Hungarian harpsichordist János Sebestyén performing Johann Sebastian Bach's transcriptions of concertos originally composed by Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Alessandro Marcello. These brilliant keyboard arrangements (BWV 972-980, 985, 974) showcase Bach's genius in adapting orchestral works for solo harpsichord, transforming Italian and German instrumental concertos into virtuosic keyboard masterpieces. The album includes eight complete concertos spanning keys from D major to G minor, each featuring the characteristic three-movement Baroque structure with contrasting tempos—lively outer movements framing contemplative slow movements. Bach created these transcriptions during his Weimar period (1708-1717) when he was deeply studying Italian compositional techniques, particularly Vivaldi's concerto form. János Sebestyén, one of Hungary's most distinguished Baroque keyboard specialists, brings authentic period performance practice to these works through his sensitive interpretation and technical mastery on the harpsichord. The recording captures the crystalline clarity and expressive nuances of the harpsichord's unique timbral qualities, making this an essential addition to any classical music collection. Manufactured in Hungary by Hungaroton, this album represents the finest tradition of Eastern European classical music recording and interpretation.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD, Album
• Release Year: 1990
• Label: Hungaroton Classic
• Catalog Number: HCD 31332
• Country of Manufacture: Hungary
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Baroque (early 18th century)
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
• Original Composers: Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann, Alessandro Marcello
• Performer: János Sebestyén (harpsichord)
• Instrument: Harpsichord (period instrument)
• Total Tracks: 24 tracks across 8 complete concertos
• Works Included: BWV 972, 973, 975, 976, 978, 980, 985, 974
• Recording Quality: Professional studio recording
• Period: Bach's Weimar period transcriptions (1708-1717)
• Performance Practice: Authentic Baroque interpretation
• Language: Universal (instrumental music)
• Target Audience: Classical music enthusiasts, Baroque music collectors, harpsichord aficionados, Bach specialists

Interesting Facts

Johann Sebastian Bach's harpsichord concerto transcriptions represent a fascinating chapter in music history, revealing the young composer's intensive study of Italian and German instrumental styles during his tenure as court organist in Weimar (1708-1717). These arrangements were not mere copies but creative reimaginings that transformed orchestral textures into idiomatic keyboard writing. Bach meticulously adapted violin figurations, string ensemble textures, and orchestral dialogues into brilliant harpsichord passages, often adding ornamentations, harmonic enrichments, and contrapuntal complexities that weren't present in the originals.

The majority of these transcriptions are based on concertos by Antonio Vivaldi, the Venetian master whose revolutionary concerto form profoundly influenced Bach's compositional development. Bach likely encountered Vivaldi's published collections, particularly "L'estro armonico" Op. 3, through his employer Prince Johann Ernst of Saxe-Weimar, who was an enthusiastic violinist and composer himself. The prince brought back Italian music scores from his travels, providing Bach access to the latest Continental musical innovations. This exposure to Vivaldi's dramatic contrasts, rhythmic vitality, and clear formal structures significantly shaped Bach's own concerto writing and orchestral works.

BWV 974 is Bach's arrangement of Alessandro Marcello's famous Oboe Concerto in D minor, one of the Baroque era's most beloved works. Bach's keyboard version preserves the original's poignant Adagio, which remains one of the most expressive slow movements in the entire Baroque repertoire. BWV 985 is based on a concerto by Telemann, representing the German compositional tradition alongside the Italian influences.

János Sebestyén (1931-2012) was one of Hungary's most respected harpsichordists and organists, renowned for his authoritative Bach interpretations. He studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and became a leading figure in Hungary's historical performance movement. Sebestyén recorded extensively for Hungaroton, creating a comprehensive discography of Bach's keyboard works that remains highly regarded by scholars and music lovers worldwide. His performance approach emphasized clarity of articulation, structural transparency, and expressive depth while maintaining stylistic authenticity to Baroque performance practices.

Hungaroton was Hungary's state-owned record label, founded in 1951, and became internationally recognized for producing high-quality classical music recordings featuring outstanding Hungarian artists. During the Communist era, Hungaroton maintained artistic excellence and made significant contributions to preserving and promoting both Hungarian composers and international classical repertoire. The label's recordings from the 1970s through 1990s are particularly prized by collectors for their sonic quality and musical integrity.

This 1990 recording captures the harpsichord's distinctive sound—the instrument's bright, percussive attack, rapid decay, and the subtle variations in registration (different keyboard manuals and stops) that create timbral variety. Unlike the piano's sustained singing tone, the harpsichord's plucked strings produce a crystalline clarity ideal for revealing Bach's intricate counterpoint and ornamental details. The album's 24 tracks present complete performances of eight concertos, allowing listeners to experience the full architectural sweep of each three-movement structure, from energetic opening Allegros through introspective Largos and Adagios to virtuosic final movements.

These transcriptions continue to be performed on both harpsichord and modern piano, though period instrument performances like Sebestyén's offer the most historically authentic sonic experience, connecting listeners directly to the sound world Bach himself knew.

Complete Track Listing

Concerto in D Major, BWV 972 (after Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 230)

1. (Allegro)
2. Larghetto
3. Allegro

Concerto in G Major, BWV 973 (after Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 299)

1. (Allegro)
2. Largo
3. Allegro

Concerto in G Minor, BWV 975 (after Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 316)

1. (Allegro)
2. Largo
3. Giga (Presto)

Concerto in C Major, BWV 976 (after Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 265)

1. (Allegro)
2. Largo
3. Allegro

Concerto in F Major, BWV 978 (after Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 310)

1. Allegro
2. Largo
3. Allegro

Concerto in G Major, BWV 980 (after Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 381)

1. (Allegro)
2. Largo
3. Allegro

Concerto in G Minor, BWV 985 (after Telemann Violin Concerto TWV 51:g1)

1. Without tempo
2. Adagio
3. Allegro

Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974 (after Alessandro Marcello Oboe Concerto)

1. Without tempo
2. Adagio
3. Presto

Credits

Composed By: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Original Composers: Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Philipp Telemann, Alessandro Marcello
Harpsichord: János Sebestyén (1931-2012)
Label: Hungaroton Classic
Recording Location: Hungary
Manufacturing: Made in Hungary

Publisher

Hungaroton Classic
Catalog Number: HCD 31332
Budapest, Hungary
Released: 1990

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