Given the academic cloak that tends to hang heavily on J.S. Bach’s unfinished masterpiece, it’s surprising how much attention The Art of Fugue receives from record companies. We know that Bach’s last work–the title was assigned after Bach’s death–was written with a demonstrative purpose, and this astonishing summation of fugal writing was delivered by the blind, 64-year-old composer with the acuity and creative force of the most vital genius, a shining example of “architectural perfection” and thematic ingenuity. The beauty of this excellent recording by the Italian ensemble Concerto Italiano is that the performers so imaginatively and effectively recreate Bach’s notation–no instrumentation is indicated in the score–uniquely coloring each thematic variation with perfectly chosen combinations of instruments, from strings and harpsichord to oboe d’amore, flute, and bassoon. Forget The Art of Fugue’s theoretical premise; this is listening of the most enjoyable and enlightening kind, right down to the abrupt conclusion–Bach’s final note.
