Description
Released on a DigiSleeve CD and on all digital platforms: 25 July 2025
Alexandra Papastefanou piano
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685–1750)
The English Suites
CD1
1–8. Suite No. 1 in A major, BWV 806
9–14. Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807
15–20. Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808
CD2
1–6. Suite No. 4 in F major, BWV 809
7–12. Suite No. 5 in E minor, BWV 810
13–18. Suite No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811
Recording venue: Alternative Stage, Greek National Opera, Athens, Greece, 1–2 May 2024
Producer: Alexandra Papastefanou
24bit, 96kHz high resolution recording and editing by Petros Petropoulos
Mastered by: John Croft (Chiaro Audio)
Booklet notes: Jonathan Summers
2CD DigiSleeve
Press Quotes
‘Alexandra Papastefanou’s Bach is utterly unpretentious in its naturalness, communicative warmth, cultivated energy and unselfregarding musicality. If you don’t believe me, acquire this beautifully engineered release and hear for yourself’ (‘Editor’s Choice’, Gramophone)
‘Papastefanou makes the transition to piano relatively effortless… She uses the instruments resources to illuminate Bach’s musical lines and counterpoint with good contrast of dynamics and colour’ (BBC Radio 3 ‘Record Review’)
‘Papastefanou’s interpretations are thought out from beginning to end and have a satisfying sense of reflecting a life’s work. Those seeking a fresh take on these Bach classics are directed toward these readings.’ (4.5 out of 5 stars, All Music)
‘This is a recording shaped not just by excellent technique, but by an artist who understands the composer before imposing her own vision. A technically fluent reading, yes—but also one shaped by knowledge, conviction, and a genuine desire to communicate.’ (‘Moto Pick of the week’ Moto-Perpetuo)
‘I really love her approach, where the Allemandes have room to breathe, the Courantes are fast but not played in an unyielding tempo, and the sarabandes wonderfully slow and moving… There’s a tenderness here, a sense of deep connection with the music, that inspires me to play the piece myself. (That’s about the highest praise I can give any pianist.)’ (American Record Guide)
‘…the good qualities in the former recording are even more apparent here—her comfort with this music, her understanding of the style, and her overall panache… using the abilities of the piano, with its dynamic range and better voice-leading capabilities, she truly captures the spirit of these works… She brings a naturalness rather than stiltedness or overly mannered playing… Papastefanou’s playing is always clean, with a tremendous sense of linear interaction and clarity. And importantly her way with this music is always unpretentious, direct, and impactful… Papastefanou’s readings are a joy to behold from beginning to end.’ (Fanfare)