"Baroque Reflections" is a captivating journey through the Baroque era, masterfully curated and performed by the acclaimed pianist Alessio Bax. Released in 2004 under Warner Classics International, this album is a testament to Bax's virtuosity and his deep connection with the Baroque repertoire. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of keyboard arrangements by some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history, including Bach, Liszt, Busoni, and Rachmaninov.
The album opens with Bach's iconic "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565," transcribed by Busoni, showcasing Bax's ability to navigate the intricate complexities of Bach's compositions with precision and grace. The tracklist also features Bach's "Keyboard Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, BWV 974," arranged for piano, and a selection of preludes and fugues from "The Well-Tempered Clavier," arranged by Siloti and Hess.
Bax's interpretation of Rachmaninov's "Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42" is a highlight of the album, demonstrating his technical prowess and emotional depth. The suite from Bach's Violin Partita No. 3, arranged by Rachmaninov, adds another layer of richness to the album, showcasing Bax's versatility and adaptability.
"Baroque Reflections" was met with critical acclaim upon its release, earning accolades such as Gramophone "Editor's Choice" and American Record Guide "Critics Choice." The album is a must-listen for classical music enthusiasts and anyone seeking to explore the timeless beauty of Baroque music. Bax's performances are not just technically impressive but also deeply expressive, making "Baroque Reflections" a standout addition to any classical music collection.
Bach, JS / Transcr. Busoni: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565: FugueJohann Sebastian Bach, Alessio Bax
Bach, JS / Transcr. Busoni: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565: ToccataJohann Sebastian Bach, Alessio Bax
Bach, J.S.: Keyboard Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, BWV 974: I. (Without tempo indication)Alessandro Marcello, Alessio Bax
Bach, JS: Keyboard Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio (After Marcello's Oboe Concerto, S. Z799)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alessio Bax
Bach, JS: Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: III. Presto (After Marcello's Oboe Concerto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alessio Bax
Bach, JS / Arr. Siloti: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E Minor, BWV 855: PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Alessio Bax
Bach, JS / Arr. Hess for Piano: Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: No. 10, Choral. "Jesus bleibet meine Freude"Johann Sebastian Bach, Alessio Bax