JS Bach – Wunderkammer

JS Bach – Wunderkammer

Jan Smaczny finds harpsichordist Bertrand Cuiller’s enaging performance in this affectionate Bach survey intimate, dazzling and full of wonder

Our rating

5

Published: October 1, 2024 at 8:00 am

JS Bach
Harpsichord Works (Wunderkammer)
Bertrand Cuiller (harpsichord)
Ramée RAM2402   70:29 mins 

Clip: JS Bach – English Suite No. 3 in G Minor BWV 808 V. Gavottes I-II

This engaging collection ranges from the Capriccio ‘On the departure of a beloved brother’, one of JS Bach’s earliest keyboard works, through the profound rigours of the C sharp minor fugue from Book 1 of ‘the 48’ to the delightfully extravert Italian Concerto.

Bertrand Cuiller performs on a copy of a 1722 harpsichord by Gräbner, large in scale and sound with two manuals well suited to the contrasts needed in the Italian Concerto and G minor English Suite, as well as the huge expressive range of the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue.

There is plenty of bounce in Cuiller’s performance of the first movement of the Italian Concerto, but also a degree of poise in his shaping of the opening melody.

Some may find his approach to the highly ornamented solo line in the slow movement a little wayward, but the finale is instantly infectious with every episode beautifully shaped and characterised. The contrast between the open-hearted concerto and the intense C sharp minor fugue could hardly be more extreme; Cuiller delivers an affecting reading of the prelude and the upbeat tempo he adopts in the fugue creates a strong sense of line leading to a powerful conclusion.

The opening movement of the G minor English Suite has real substance while the dances have an intimate, at times almost affectionate quality. The grand manner is also present throughout the great Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue where dazzling virtuosity is balanced by moments of arresting introspection.

While not too close, the recorded sound sensitively captures the full resonance of the Gräbnner harpsichord. As a whole this well-crafted, superbly performed recital is one which rewards repeated listening. Jan Smaczny

Video: JS Bach – Wunderkammer (Ramee)

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