Added interest is provided by a programme taken from the Andreas Bach Buch, a collection of works put together by Johann Christoph Bach, J.S. Bach’s eldest brother and the father of Andreas Bach. The juxtaposition of certain pieces (Buxtehude’s Ciaccone, Bux WV 159 and Bach’s Fantasia, BWV 1121, for instance) reminds the listener that Bach’s genius did not generate spontaneously.

It is also fascinating to realise that the theme in the Fantasia & Imitatio, BWV 563 was reused note for note by Handel in the chorus "And their cry" in Israel in Egypt. Alard’s recital is a welcome foray into the musical treasures of northern Germany, which are still largely unknown despite the efforts of certain musicologists and musicians.

Benjamin Alard is fully equal to the challenge, and the listener’s first impression will be of a musical personality that makes no concession to fashion. Turning his back on vehemence - his playing is a far cry from Hantaï’s imperious power and Rannou’s theatrical style - Alard suggests, never forcing the music to express things it may not contain. His approach reveals musical meaning through complete clarity of interpretation, and he pays particular attention to the musical line.
YUTHA TEP

Andreas Bach Buch
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH, DIETRICH BUXTEHUDE, J.K.F. FISCHER
Benjamin Alard
Hortus Hortus 045
2005 - 65:50 min.