Track Listing

1. Fantasia, Adagio e Fuga, transcription for piano (after J. S. Bach, BWV 906/968), KiV B37: Fantasia
2. Fantasia, Adagio e Fuga, transcription for piano (after J. S. Bach, BWV 906/968), KiV B37: Adagio
3. Fantasia, Adagio e Fuga, transcription for piano (after J. S. Bach, BWV 906/968), KiV B37: Fugue
4. Komm, Gott, Schöpfer!, transcription for piano (after J.S. Bach, BWV 631; Ten Chorale Preludes No. 1), KiV B27/1
5. Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, transcription for piano (after J. S. Bach, BWV 645; Ten Chorale Preludes No. 2), KiV B27/2
6. Praeludium & Fuge, transcription for piano in E minor (after J. S. Bach, BWV 533), KiV B26
7. Praeludium & Fuge, transcription for piano in E minor (after J. S. Bach, BWV 533), KiV B26
8. Praeludium & Fuge, transcription for piano in D major (after J. S. Bach, BWV 532), KiV B20: Prelude
9. Praeludium & Fuge, transcription for piano in D major (after J. S. Bach, BWV 532), KiV B20: Fugue
10. Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf, transcription for piano (after J.S. Bach, BWV 617; Ten Chorale Preludes No. 6), KiV B27/6
11. Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verdebt (I), transcription for piano (after J.S. Bach, BWV 637; Ten Chorale Preludes No. 7), KiV B27/7
12. In dir ist Freude, transcription for piano (after J. S. Bach, BWV 615; Ten Chorale Preludes No. 9), KiV B27/9
13. Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, transcription for piano (after J.S. Bach, BWV 665; Ten Chorale Preludes No. 10), KiV B27/10
14. Chaconne, transcription for piano in D minor (after J. S. Bach, BWV 1004), KiV B24

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #200937 in Music
• Released on: 2002-03-12
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Dimensions: .25 pounds

Amazon.com
Busoni's transcriptions of Bach organ works are among the glories of modern piano music, and all but doctrinaire followers of authentic period practice will enjoy them. Bach's music works well on the modern piano and Busoni's transcriptions add elements of color and fantasy that, however anachronistic, are fascinating to hear. Demidenko is a Russian-trained virtuoso with a monster technique who makes child's play of these often difficult pieces. He tears into the opening Fantasie (BWV 906) with abandon, produces an affecting Adagio (BWV 968) and a firmly articulated Fugue (BWV 906), which was seamlessly completed by Busoni. The big Prelude and Fugue (BWV 532) is thrilling, and the six Choral Preludes are lovingly done. The great violin Chaconne gets a big performance, too, fitting for a piece that Busoni metamorphosed into a cornerstone of Romantic piano literature. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Playing
The real gems of this disk are the Chorale Prelude transcriptions. Demidenko plays these pieces beautifully, especially Durch Adams fall ist ganz verdebt and Jesus Christus Unser Heiland. One can really appreciate the beautiful sound of the Fazioli piano in these pieces in particular. My one reservation about the chorale preludes is 'Watchet Auf'. The only recording I know of that does this justice is Angela Hewitt's recording of Bach Arrangements(Kempff also doesn't do a bad job of this). The playing doesn't quite convey the spirit of this piece.

Demidenko also does a particularly good job of the Fantasia and the Chacconne, although some might find the Chaconne a little too slow for their liking. However don't get the wrong impression, Demidenko can break into great moments of power and speed. This is Demidenko's late romantic playing at its best.

He also gives a good account of the Prelude and Fugue BWV 532, although its not up to Gilels account of the same piece. Gilels manages to create a beutiful organ like sonority from the piano, and gets the tempo just right in each part. However Demidenko's faster fugue makes for a barnstorming interpretation.

I recommend this disc highly, as I said especially for the exceptional playing of the chorale preludes, and also the Fantasia and Chaconne. My one reservation regarding this disc is the sound. The tone could be a little fuller (perhaps the piano needed to be closer to the mike?) which is unfortunate because Demidenko is using a beutiful Fazioli piano. Don't let put you off though, because the recording quality is still superb.

Excellent Busoni
I agree with the previous reviewer about the chaconne, some might find it too slow. Especially if you are used to Kissin's performance. I personally think Demidenko's more unified treatment of the variatons is refreshing. He creates contrast through deep colorful poetry, and sheer power as opposed to using many parametric changes. In my opinion this interpretation is the perfect balance of romantic power and depth with Baroque form and character. On top of the performance alone, the Fazioli piano chosen has absolutely stunning soud quality and is perfect for Busoni.