The French Suites 1-3

Mika Väyrynen · Johann Sebastian Bach

2012 · ABCD 346

Credits

Performers: Mika Väyrynen — Accordion
Composers: Johann Sebastian Bach

About this release

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
French series 1 to 3
Praeludium XXIV in B minor BWV 869
Passacaglia in C minor BWV 582
Mika Väyrynen, accordion
Accordionist Mika Väyrynen's new album features J.S. Bach's French series 1-3, Prelude in B minor and Passacaglia in C minor, "accordionist's feat" composed for organ. There will be wonderful playing by one of our most internationally known and respected accordion artists.
Väyrynen describes the union of a modern instrument and old music as follows:
"Once it is possible to play music with an instrument that was composed before it was born, I see no reason why it shouldn't be done. I firmly believe that J.S. Bach would have been excited to see a new instrument, that creative genius was an advocate of many innovations: tuning systems, developing instruments in collaboration with instrument builders - Bach is said to have developed new instruments himself.
The accordion is a modern instrument. So J.S. Bach's music is performed on this disc in a sonorous outfit that does not match the original. And that is not the intention, nor is it even possible for an accordion player in 2012. I approach Bach's music with deep respect and am happy to have the privilege of playing the compositions of that great master. I hope that what is independent of time and sound conditions in Bach's music can be heard on this album."
Väyrynen's previous Bach album Goldberg Variations (Alba ABCD 191) has become a cult album for accordion players and is one of the best-selling accordion albums.

Tracks

1.Praeludium XXIV in B minor BWV 869comp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003686:31
The French Suite 1 in D minor BWV 812
2.Allemandecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003693:37
3.Courantecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003701:56
4.Sarabandecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003715:17
5.Menuet I & II, Menuet I da capocomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003723:24
6.Giguecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003732:43
The French Suite 2 in C minor BWV 813
7.Allemandecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003743:13
8.Courantecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003751:43
9.Sarabandecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003763:54
10.Aircomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003771:23
11.Menuet I & II, Menuet I da capocomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003782:34
12.Giguecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003792:15
The French Suite 3 in B minor BWV 814
13.Allemandecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003803:16
14.Courantecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003811:58
15.Sarabandecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003823:21
16.Anglaisecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003831:37
17.Menuet I & II, Menuet I da capocomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003842:56
18.Giguecomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003851:50
Passacaglia in C minor BWV 582
19.Passacagliacomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003866:45
20.Thema fugatumcomp. Johann Sebastian BachISRC FIABA12003874:28

Reviews

Alba’s five-channel surround sonics are excellent and demonstrate the added realism that this format can provide to just a solo instrument.
Audiophile Audition · John Sunier · July 8, 2013
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