Johann Sebastian Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (The Art of the Fugue) - Hespèrion XX / Jordi Savall

Johann Sebastian Bach (Conductor), Roberto Gini (Performer), Christophe Coin (Performer), Bruce Dickey (Performer), Paolo Grazzi (Performer), Paolo Pandolfo (Performer), Charles Toet (Performer), Jordi Savall (Orchestra), Hespèrion XX (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Roberto Gini, Christophe Coin, Bruce Dickey, Paolo Grazzi, Paolo Pandolfo, et al.
• Orchestra: Jordi Savall
• Conductor: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (September 1, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Astree
• ASIN: B0000017L2
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #646,021 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 1

2. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 2

3. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 3

4. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 12a - Contrapuctus 12b

5. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 4

6. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Canon 17 alla Duodecima in Contrapucto alla Quinta

7. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Canon 16 alla Decima Contrapucto alla Terza

8. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 5

9. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 6 in Stylo Francese

10. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 7 per Augment et Dimniut

Disc: 2

1. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 8

2. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 9

3. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 10

4. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 13b - Contrapuctus 13b

5. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 11

6. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Canon 14

7. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Canon 15

8. Die Kunst Der Fuge: Contrapuctus 18

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The art of arranging ... brought to perfection., May 25, 2001

By 

Ed Brickell - See all my reviews

This review is from: Johann Sebastian Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (The Art of the Fugue) - Hespèrion XX / Jordi Savall (Audio CD)

Die Kunst der Fugue, or "The Art of Fugue," has long been one of my favorite works of music, regardless of genre. Whenever I am sick in body or heart or exhausted by all other music, I know I can always turn to this and be made whole.

This is continually surprising and fascinating stuff, rewarding you with new discoveries no matter how many hearings. I've heard quite a few different arrangements of this masterpiece over the past quarter century, including organ, piano, string quartet, full baroque orchestra, and even saxophone quartet. Savall's arrangement for a mixed baroque chamber ensemble of winds and strings offers the most color, while bringing out the individual voices with the highest clarity. Different combinations of instruments are used throughout, which further adds to the interest and variety. And, of course, given Savall's exacting standards, everyone plays beautifully and with soul.

I would listen to this music played on kazoo if nothing else was available, but Savall's way is the most satisfying of the five recordings I own. Heartily recommended to anyone looking for music they will never, ever get tired of.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I agree., November 13, 2000

By 

Penname (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Johann Sebastian Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (The Art of the Fugue) - Hespèrion XX / Jordi Savall (Audio CD)

I picked up this CD after sampling it on a recording station and have been listen to it for years. Tranquil, resonant, intricate and whole. Everyone has a sense of how Bach "should" be performed, and this fits in perfectly with mine.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great performance of the great work, sensitive and gripping, February 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Johann Sebastian Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (The Art of the Fugue) - Hespèrion XX / Jordi Savall (Audio CD)

A small chamber ensemble do justice to the Art of Fugue. Sensitive, powerful, gripping, this one fills your head with Bach and doesn't let up. My only complaint is that I get a little sick of the horn sound. Still, that doesn't make me want to rate it at 4 stars. I go for the emotional feel a record gives me, like the way the Vegh Quartet plays the late Beethoven string quartets. Sounds authentic! Best for last: Savall's performance of the Great Unfinished Fugue will not disappoint anyone. Full recommendation.