Clavier-Ubung II (CD)

In 1735, Johann Sebastian Bach entrusted the second part of his Clavier-Übung to a Nuremburg engraver. The two pieces brought together in the second part of the Clavier-Übung, the Concerto in the Italian Style, and the Overture in the French Manner, share more than one unifying element, and present several very particular aspects, within the work of the composer, as well as within the style of keyboard composition then current in Europe. The Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue (BWV 903), along with the Prelude, Fugue and Allegro (BWV 998), are »isolated« pieces, not belonging to a cycle or a designed group. The variety of affects, majestically organised by the composer of these four pieces, reflects his mastery of the different styles. Modest in the dance movements, intermediate in the Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, sublime in the Overture, and blending all these as he pleases in the Concerto and the Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, he »restores« our spirits in a rich, convincing and most touching way.