Credits:

Bach, J.S. / Rubsam

Description:

This is a complete recording of the Mean Clavier cycle performed on lute harpsichord (lutenklavier, lutenwerk) by Wolfgang Lüpzum, a great master of Bach's playing. A total of eight keyboard instruments, including harpsichords, are listed in the inventory of Bach's estate, two of which were lute harpsichords. The original lute harpsichords have all been lost and their appearance is unknown, so they are currently being restored in various forms, but they all seem to share the same feature: gut strings and no dampers. The performance by Rüpzam is impressive for its delicate and subtly shaded expression with a gentle and soft sonority. [About the work] Bach's "Mean Clavier" is a collection of 48 preludes and fugues, and is the best-known of Bach's clavier works. The first part was completed in Köthen in 1722, and the second part in Leipzig around 1740. Each part consists of 24 preludes and fugues, one prelude and one fugue in each of the 12 major and minor keys, alternating major and minor in chromatic order. (1/2)