J S Bach: Keyboard Works
The four works on this disc exemplify the two sides of Bach’s compositional journey – a continual experimentation, aggregation and integration of different European styles, and the evolution of an entirely personal synthesis. Little more need be said here about Johann Sebastian Bach or his music!
Jill Crossland is from West Yorkshire and studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, and later in Vienna with Paul Badura-Skoda and Sally Sargent. She now pursues an active concert and recording career.
Jill has played regularly on the South Bank and at the Wigmore Hall in London and at the Sage Gateshead; her appearances have also included Bridgewater Hall, St George’s Bristol, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Vienna Musikverein, Vienna Konzerthaus, Cadogan and Fairfield Halls and the National Concert Hall, Dublin. She has been a member of the Arts Council England Musicians in Residence scheme, and she has appeared on radio and TV, including live and recorded broadcasts on BBC Radios 3 and 4 and has featured in the Classic FM Hall of Fame.
Jill’s recordings include works by Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Mozart and Beethoven for the Divine Art and Diversions labels, as well as the Bach Goldberg Variations on Warner Classics and works by Rameau and the complete Bach “Well-tempered Clavier” for Signum Classics. Her recordings have received high critical praise on both sides of the Atlantic. Among many critical plaudits, her Bach Well-tempered Clavier has been described as “among the most satisfying recent releases of [his] keyboard music” (Rob Cowan BBC Radio 3) and “rank[ing] with the finest previous versions, altogether a remarkable achievement” (Penguin Guide to CDs) and her Beethoven as “magnetic” and “delightful” by American Record Guide.
Track Listing
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Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750):
- Toccata in D major, BWV 912 - I. Introduction (Presto) (0:43)
- Toccata in D major, BWV 912 - II. Allegro (2:38)
- Toccata in D major, BWV 912 - III. Adagio (6:35)
- Toccata in D major, BWV 912 - IV. Fugue (3:22)
- English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 - I. Prelude (4:43)
- English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 - II. Allemande (4:47)
- English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 - III. Courante (1:48)
- English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 - IV. Sarabande (4:39)
- English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 - V. Bourrées 1 & 2 (4:28)
- English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 - VI. Gigue (3:45)
- Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825 - I. Praeludium (2:45)
- Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825 - II. Allemande (4:25)
- Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825 - III. Courante (3:16)
- Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825 - IV. Sarabande (6:03)
- Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825 - V. Menuets 1 & 2 (3:10)
- Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825 - VI. Gigue (1:56)
- Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 - I. Fantasia (9:21)
- Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue in D minor, BWV 903 - II. Fugue (6:44)
Reviews
“This is a lovely and captivating release. From a technical perspective, Crossland’s playing is beyond reproach. The passagework is executed with the utmost precision and clarity. The various musical lines are always exquisitely balanced. The recorded sound is excellent. An exquisite disc, highly recommended.
” —Ken Meltzer
“Balances are fascinating: she makes pleasant effects. Pianism that sounds both old-fashioned and fresh. Worth investigating – spontaneous pianistic journeys through these pieces.
” —Bradley Lehman
“The playing sounds difficult but Crossland is up to the task; the music flows around the listener like a fast river of notes, swirling and bubbling; you feel you can almost see the mathematical basis of Bach’s work as structure and symmetry rush past. This is an entertaining and intense programme of music.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“The performance of these four Bach keyboard works is satisfying and commanding. All the stylish drama and virtuosity is captured in Jill Crossland’s thoughtful and exacting recital.
” —John France
