Description
Johann Sebastian Bach – Víkingur Ólafsson (Deutsche Grammophon) CD
UPC: 028948350223
MPN: 483 5022
Brand Name: Deutsche Grammophon
Overview
Víkingur Ólafsson, hailed as “Iceland’s Glenn Gould,” brings a fresh vision to the timeless works of Johann Sebastian Bach. This celebrated Deutsche Grammophon release blends iconic keyboard pieces with Ólafsson’s own thoughtful transcriptions, presenting Bach not as a historical relic but as a living, ever-modern voice. The program moves seamlessly between well-known preludes, fugues, and chorale arrangements, exploring Bach’s music as a mirror that reflects both its age and our own time.
Product Features
- Format: CD, Album, Stereo
- Release Date: 2018
- Label: Deutsche Grammophon
- Total Length: 77:25
- Genre: Classical
- Style: Baroque, Contemporary Piano Interpretation
Interesting Facts
- Ólafsson carefully curated a mosaic-like program, juxtaposing original Bach keyboard works with famous transcriptions by Kempff, Busoni, Rachmaninoff, Siloti, and Stradal.
- This album was widely praised by international critics and won multiple awards, solidifying Ólafsson’s reputation as a major voice in 21st-century Bach interpretation.
- His performance highlights Bach’s ability to feel as new today as 300 years ago, reinforcing the idea of Bach as a contemporary composer.
- The recording features striking cover photography by Ari Magg and design by Helga Magnúsdóttir, emphasizing the modern aesthetic of the project.
Track Listing
- Prelude and Fughetta in G major, BWV 902
- Chorale Prelude, BWV 734 – Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein (arr. Kempff) 3–4. Prelude and Fugue in E minor, BWV 855
- Organ Sonata in E minor, BWV 528: II. Adagio (arr. Stradal) 6–7. Prelude and Fugue in D major, BWV 850
- Chorale Prelude, BWV 659 – Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland (arr. Busoni) 9–10. Prelude and Fugue in C minor, BWV 847
- Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV 54 – Aria (transcr. Ólafsson) 12–23. Aria variata in A minor, BWV 989 (Theme, Variations 1–10, Aria da capo)
- Invention No. 12 in A major, BWV 783
- Sinfonia No. 12 in A major, BWV 798
- Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006: III. Gavotte (arr. Rachmaninoff)
- Prelude in B minor (after BWV 855a, arr. Siloti)
- Sinfonia No. 15 in B minor, BWV 801
- Invention No. 15 in B minor, BWV 786 30–32. Harpsichord Concerto in D minor, BWV 974
- Chorale Prelude, BWV 639 – Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ (arr. Busoni) 34–35. Fantasia and Fugue in A minor, BWV 904
Publishers
- Label: Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin
- ℗ & ©: 2018 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin
- Recording & Production: DG Team
- Photography: Ari Magg
- Art Direction & Design: Helga Magnúsdóttir
- Made in EU
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