This is simply sublime! Kempff’s transcriptions of Bach, Handel and Gluck aren’t that often heard, yet his way with such favourites as ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’, ‘Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland’, ‘In dulci jubilo’, two pieces from Gluck’s ‘Orfeo’ and the unforgettable Handel G minor Minuet are ravishing! In addition, Kempff performs two great Bach keyboard suites.
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH/WILHELM KEMPFF
Ten Chorale Preludes:
Chorale-Prelude ‘Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland’, BWV 659
Chorale-Prelude ‘Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit’ (BWV 307 & 734)
Flute Sonata No. 2, BWV 1031:’Sicilienne’
Organ Chorale: Prelude, ‘Befiehl du deine Wege’, BWV 727
Cantata, BWV 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben: ‘Jesu, joy of man’s desiring’
Chorale-Prelude, ‘In dulci jubilo’, BWV 75
Cantata, ‘Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir’, BWV 29: Sinfonia
Chorale-Prelude, ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’ from Schubler Chorales, BWV 140
Harpsichord Concerto in F minor, BWV 1056: Largo
Chorale-Prelude, ‘Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ’, BWV 639
GEORGE FREDERIC HANDEL
Keyboard Suite in B flat major, HWV 434: No. 1, Minuet in G minor
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
English Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808
French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816
CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK
Ballet Music from ‘Orfeo ed Euridice’:
Orpheus’ Lament
Dance of the Blessed Spirits
Wilhelm Kempff, piano
‘Kempff’s 80-year-old fingers weave his Gluck and Handel transcriptions into dulcet, lyrical gold … this miraculous recording’
10/10 ClassicsToday.com