Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach with "The Essential J.S. Bach," a meticulously curated collection of his most celebrated works. Released on September 28, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans two hours and fifteen minutes of pure classical mastery, showcasing Bach's unparalleled compositional prowess across a variety of genres and styles.
From the intricate fugues and preludes that define his keyboard works to the sublime beauty of his choral pieces, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Bach's musical legacy. Highlights include the iconic "Air on the G String," the lively "Badinerie," and the profound "Ave Maria," each piece performed with the precision and passion that Bach's music deserves.
Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's work, "The Essential J.S. Bach" provides a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's diverse tracklist, featuring both well-known favorites and lesser-known gems, ensures that there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy. Bach's ability to blend technical brilliance with deep emotional resonance is evident throughout, making this album a testament to his enduring influence on the world of classical music.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
I. (Allegro)Johann Sebastian Bach, Niklas Eklund, Swiss Baroque Soloists, Andrés Gabetta
Chorale. Jesus bleibet meine FreudeJohann Sebastian Bach, Istvan Gati, Hungarian Radio Chorus, Budapest Failoni Chamber Orchestra, Matyas Antal
I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Maria Kliegel
VII. BadinerieJohann Sebastian Bach, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek
I. MagnificatJohann Sebastian Bach, Siri Karoline Thornhill, Mira Graczyk, Sophia Körber, Anna Karmasin, Theresa Holzhauser, Florence Losseau, Markus Schäfer, Robert Sellier, Andreas Mattersberger, Niklas Mallmann, Concerto de Bassus, Franz Hauk
AriaJohann Sebastian Bach, Jenő Jandó
Wir setzen uns mit Tränen niederJohann Sebastian Bach, Dresdner Kammerchor, Knaben des Kölner Domchores, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
I. PreludioJohann Sebastian Bach, Ilya Kaler
Prelude & Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Jenő Jandó
Jauchzet, frohlocketJohann Sebastian Bach, Mainz Bach Choir, Mainz Bach Orchestra, Ralf Otto
Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, BWV 208, "Hunt Cantata": Aria. Schafe können sicher weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze) [arr. R. Hayman]Johann Sebastian Bach, Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hayman
III. Allegro assaiJohann Sebastian Bach, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
No. 8 in F Major, BWV 779Johann Sebastian Bach, Janos Sebestyen
Ave MariaCharles Gounod, Johann Sebastian Bach, Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hayman
Chorale. Das Wort sie sollen lassen stahnJohann Sebastian Bach, Ingrid Kertesi, Jozsef Mukk, Judit Nemeth, Istvan Gati, Hungarian Radio Chorus, Budapest Failoni Chamber Orchestra, Matyas Antal
II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Hae Won Chang, Camerata Cassovia, Robert Stankovsky
IV. PrestoJohann Sebastian Bach, Ilya Kaler
No. 1, Herr, unser HerrscherJohann Sebastian Bach, Bachchor Mainz, Bachorchester Mainz, Hille Perl, Joachim Held, Sabine Bauer, Petra Morath-Pusinelli, Ralf Otto
I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Janos Sebestyen
II. SicilianoJohann Sebastian Bach, Petri Alanko, Anssi Mattila
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Rübsam
II. Air "Air on the G String"Johann Sebastian Bach, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
I. VivaceJohann Sebastian Bach, Christine Pichlmeier, Lisa Stewart, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
XXVII. Dona nobis pacem - Remastered 2023Johann Sebastian Bach, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Robert Shaw
VII. GigueJohann Sebastian Bach, Laurence Cummings
I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
Minuet in G Major, BWV Anh. 114Johann Sebastian Bach, Janos Sebestyen
I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
V. Bourree I and IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Alexander Rudin
No. 54, O Haupt, voll Blut und WundenJohann Sebastian Bach, Bachchor Mainz, Bachorchester Mainz, Jan Čižmář, Petra Morath-Pusinelli, Ralf Otto
I. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach, Ilya Kaler
II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Christian Hommel, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
V. Bourree I and IIJohann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Rübsam