Immerse yourself in the intricate world of classical piano with Ferruccio Busoni's remarkable transcriptions of J.S. Bach's timeless works. Released on February 7, 2020, under the label Altarus Records, this album is a testament to Busoni's virtuosity and his profound admiration for Bach's compositions. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 47 minutes, the album features a meticulously curated selection of Bach's masterpieces, reimagined for the piano by Busoni.
The album opens with the majestic "Toccata In C Major, BWV 564," a piece that showcases Busoni's skill in adapting Bach's organ works for the piano. The collection also includes the iconic "St Anne's Fugue," BWV 552, and the dramatic "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565," both of which highlight Busoni's ability to capture the essence of Bach's original compositions while adding his own unique interpretive flair.
One of the standout pieces in this collection is the "Chaconne" from Bach's Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Violin, BWV 1004. Busoni's transcription of this piece is a tour de force, demonstrating his deep understanding of Bach's contrapuntal writing and his ability to translate it into a compelling piano work.
The album also features several organ chorale preludes, including "Num komm' der heiden Heiland," BWV 659, and "Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ," BWV 639. These pieces offer a glimpse into Bach's sacred music and showcase Busoni's ability to adapt works originally written for the organ to the piano.
Ferruccio Busoni's transcriptions for piano after J.S. Bach are not just a collection of pieces but a journey through the rich tapestry of Bach's music, as interpreted by one of the most visionary pianists and composers of the early 20th century. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical piano music and the enduring legacy of J.S. Bach.