Bach Piano 1

Pianist Judith Lambden continues her long-running survey of Bach’s keyboard works. This programme gathers four early toccatas with the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue and the Italian Concerto.

Judith Lambden piano

Johann Sebastian Bach composer

It opens with four of Bach’s Toccatas, among his earliest keyboard works. Full of youthful passion and intensity, free and improvisatory, these “touch” pieces (from the Italian “toccare”, to touch) were used to try out a new harpsichord or organ and to display the player’s brilliance.

The Chromatic Fantasia is rich in flourishes and dramatic, recitative-like melodies. The fugue that follows carries a chromatic scale in its subject, set against lighter episodes, and builds to a magnificent close.

The Italian Concerto, published in 1735, draws on the style of Vivaldi and his contemporaries. A strong solo line is set against a quieter imitation of a string orchestra. A slow, aria-like middle movement is framed by joyous, exuberant outer movements very much in the Italian spirit.

Reviews

Lambden’s exceptional artistry … creates a compelling and vibrant musical narrative. Throughout the album, Lambden’s profound connection to Bach’s music is evident, as she brings out the nuances and ever-changing characters of each composition. Her daring vision of negotiating between authentic and innovative performance styles of Bach’s works adds a unique dimension to the recordings. While this may not be a recording that brings a drastic change to the piano scene, it is undoubtedly one that will consistently inspire and captivate listeners with every listening.

— Toby Wong, Music Trust e-zine Loud Mouth

As a distinguishing feature to the CD, she begins with four of the seven toccatas for keyboard: BWV 911 in C minor, BWV 912 in D Major, BWV 913 in D minor and BWV 914 in E minor. These last-mentioned tracks are the more interesting components in this offering, works that don’t get much exposure, except for the BWV 912 which, in my experience, is one of the more manageable of the set … her readings have a reassuring probity and communicate a sense that an informed musical personality is at work.

— Clive O'Connell, O'Connell the Music

Artists

Judith Lambden

Distinguished Australian pianist and harpsichordist Judith Lambden has recorded many works on the Move label, among them Schubert’s great B-flat Sonata, Bach’s English and French Suites, the six Partitas, and a wide span of other J.S. Bach keyboard works.

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was a German composer and organist of the late Baroque. His sacred and secular music for choir, orchestra, organ and solo instruments remains among the foundations of the Western concert and church repertory.