[Cover graphic]

Compact Disc CDA67344

£13.99

Between the mid 19th century (the Romantic movement's rediscovery of Bach) and the period after the 2nd World War when a purist approach to Bach developed, many thousands of transcriptions were made of Bach's organ music, choral music, orchestral music and chamber music. Most of these transcriptions were made by virtuoso pianists and served both the purpose of presenting music that would otherwise not frequently be heard and also providing virtuoso repertoire where the pianist could demonstrate his powers. Until recently this area of repertoire was much frowned upon and while it has begun to return to favour, this series will be the first comprehensive survey of the genre.

This CD presents the complete Bach transcriptions of Grainger and Friedman plus one of many transcriptions by Grainger's fellow Australian, William Murdoch. There is a further Australian connection in that Friedman spent the 2nd World War in Australia and wrote his transcriptions there. They were published by Allan's Music of Melbourne.

Two contrasting versions of the Toccata & Fugue in D minor open and close the recital, with Murdoch's arrangement of what was already a Bach arrangement of Vivaldi in the middle. The smaller surrounding pieces range from the straightforward, to the almost outrageous Grainger Blithe Bells or Friedman Bourrée.

Recorded in Henry Wood Hall, London, on 4 5 6 May 2002
Recording Engineer
ARNE AKSELBERG
Recording Producer
AMANDA HURTON
Piano
STEINWAY & SONS
Front Design
TERRY SHANNON
Booklet Editor
TIM PARRY
Executive Producers
SIMON PERRY
MICHAEL SPRING
© Hyperion Records Ltd, London, MMIII

Duration: 77'21
DDD
Front illustration by DONYA CLAIRE JAMES

Contents:

    arr Grainger
  1. Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV565 [8'57]

    arr Friedman

  2. Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland BVW659 [5'31]

    arr Murdoch
    Concerto in D minor BWV596 (after Vivaldi) [13'51]

  3. Largo [3'22]
  4. Fuga [3'21]
  5. Largo [3'19]
  6. Allegro non troppo [3'42]

    arr Friedman

  7. My Heart ever Faithful [from Cantata 68] [2'43]
  8. Brandenburg Concerto No 3 in G major BWV 1048 (first movement) [5'53]
  9. Morning Song [‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’, BWV645] [3'36]
  10. Bourée [from Partita No 1 in B minor for solo violin, BWV1002] [2'08]
  11. Sheep May Safely Graze [from Cantata 208] [6'36]
  12. Gavotte (Rondeau) [from Partita No 3 in E major for solo violin, BWV1006] [3'17]

    arr Grainger

  13. Fugue in A minor BWV865 [from Das wohltemperierte Clavier, Book I] [4'54]
  14. Fugue in E major BWV878 [from Das wohltemperierte Clavier, Book II] [2'18]

    arr Friedman

  15. Siciliano [from Sonata in E flat major for flute and harpsichord, BWV1031] [2'38]

    arr Grainger

  16. Blithe Bells [Sheep May Safely Graze, from Cantata 208] [4'04]

    arr Friedman

  17. Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV565 [9'11]
Sleeve Notes

'Could hardly be more exhilarating or enterprising ... a memorable as well as enticing disc' (Gramophone)

'Lane commands the golden tone and effortless, spirited virtuosity needed to make these transcriptions come alive, and makes them sound easy to boot. A honey of a release' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Wonderful music, consummately transcribed and movingly played' (International Piano)

'This is wonderfully crafted piano music, marvellously executed by Lane … the playing is always supremely fluid and musically enquiring … this is another fascinating release from Hyperion' (International Record Review)

'A truly fascinating disc … Lane clearly relishes in the amusing challenges, but he also makes you wonder at the immensity of Bach’s genius' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Piers Lane succombe à ce charme, et nous avec lui' (Classica, France)

See also:
Bach Piano Transcriptions - 1
Bach Piano Transcriptions - 2
Bach Piano Transcriptions - 4
Bach Piano Transcriptions - 5
Bach: Piano Transcriptions - 6 (Rummel)
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