Sunday, March 5, 2017
Much like the plays of William Shakespeare, the music of Bach represents a summit of human achievement. Throughout his life the organ was the instrument that proved an indispensable musical companion. From his earliest years to his deathbed, there was hardly a time in Bach's life when he was not obliged to play the organ and compose for it. Because of this, the organ works form a centerpiece of his creative evolution and existence. Bach's organ works continue to surprise and astonish three hundred years later. They are the organist's supreme challenge. They are the listener's supreme delight. They are the perfect marriage of humble purpose and high genius. In this series, each performance highlights musical and personal themes throughout Bach's life. This thematic arrangement takes listeners on an intimate journey through these pieces.
Concerto in C major (after Vivaldi, Op. VII, No. 5), BWV 594
[Without tempo marking–Allegro]
Recitativo – Adagio
Allegro
Fugue on a theme of Legrenzi, BWV 574
Canzona, BWV 588
Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 541
Fugue on a theme of Corelli, BWV 579
Allebreve, BWV 589
Concerto in D minor (after Vivaldi, Op. III, No. 11), BWV 596
[Without tempo marking–Allegro] – Grave – Fuga
Largo e spiccato
Finale