Following his magnificent 2001 recording of J.S. Bach’s Inventions and Sinfonias for BIS, the Japanese harpsichordist/organist/conductor Masaaki Suzuki here offers more revelatory performances of some of Bach’s equally well known (as well as some lesser known) masterpieces. With this collection, simply titled Fantasias & Fugues, Suzuki provides a grand overview of Bach’s lifelong sporadic exploration of the Fantasia genre. And beginning with Bach’s best-known fantasia, the Chromatic Fantasie & Fugue BWV 903, Suzuki launches what promises to be one of the most beautiful Bach recitals of the year.
While there is certainly enough competition with BWV 903, Suzuki’s performance is on par with the best. His approach is somewhat similar to the spright, lyrical renderings of Pierre Hantai and Blandine Verlet, although the way he propels the work unifies its overall rhythmic composition more convincingly. To get an idea, compare Hantai’s total time (11:22) and Verlet’s (11:51) with Suzuki’s (9:40). Suzuki’s sheer bravura here is a marvel! This is certainly not the precious “scholarly” Bach we’re accustomed to hearing from Christopher Hogwood and Kenneth Gilbert.
Of the lesser known pieces, the A minor Fantasie & Fugue BWV 944 is equally compelling as Suzuki deftly executes the numerous runs that buttress the structure of the work. In another rarity, the B minor Prelude & Fugue on a theme of Tomaso Albinoni BWV 923/BWV 951, Suzuki’s similarly impressive development of the opening theme hardly prepares us for the delicacy with which he handles the Fugue. A wonderful momentum, grace, and dignity are at work here. Suzuki’s transcendental way with this music must simply be heard to be believed.
Complementing the performance is a recording worthy of audiophile standards, for which kudos must go to producer/engineer Hans Kipfer. The harpsichord sound has an exemplary intimacy, presence, and sparkle. As usual, BIS’s presentation is first rate, including informative, trilingual notes. An outstanding release! [7/26/2002]
