Description
Alexandra Papastefanou piano
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685–1750)
CD1
Suite No. 1 in D minor, BWV 812
Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV 813
Suite No. 3 in B minor, BWV 814
Suite No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 815
CD2
Adagio in G major, BWV 968 (transcription of Sonata in C major for Solo Violin, BWV 1005)
Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816
Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV 817
Fantasy in G minor, BWV 920
Prelude (Fantasia) in C minor, BWV 921
Fantasia in A minor, BWV 922
Keyboard Sonata in D minor, BWV 964 (transcription of Sonata in A minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1003)
Recording venue: Megaron, Dimitri Mitropoulos Hall, Athens, 25 March and 24 April 2019
Producer: Alexandra Papastefanou
Engineer: Nikos Espialidis
Mastered by: Peter De Pian
Booklet notes: Jonathan Summers
2CD digipak
Press Quotes
“…captivating pianism… Papastefanou is thoroughly musical in her fusion of intuition and insight, and her French Suites easily ranks among the catalogue’s finest piano editions…. Excellent annotations and sonics add to this releases special appeal” (Classics Today)
“She is first and foremost a deeply expressive player, whose Bach speaks with tremendous stylistic assurance….The result is a performance of considerable virtuosity and imagination, free of fussy mannerism… Rather than imposing a didactic approach on her listeners, Papastefanou beckons them towards Bach by the gentle exercise of her own enthusiasm and sensibilities.” (Gramophone)
“…sheer joy and delight from start to finish… it’s hard not to be enraptured by this recital, beautifully recorded…. These recordings are a great success and the playing is perfect with Papastefanou having a real feeling for the music… I found the music and playing captivating. I look forward to further recordings from this highly talented pianist.” (Musicweb International)
“… be assured: Papastefanou’s is Bach playing of considerable distinction, vivacity and insight” (**** performance, ***** recording, BBC Music Magazine)
The High Arts Review best selection of recordings from 2019 includes FHR’s Bach French Suites [FHR70] with Alexandra Papastefanou !
“Like her excellent performance of the Well-Tempered Klavier which received accolades when it was released last year, Papastefanou’s interpretation of the French Suites is a winner. There is a lot to admire here: the delicacy of playing, the transparent fingerwork, the careful handling of the dynamics. It is clear that every movement has been thought-out carefully, the tempi perfectly judged to create a cohesive whole for each Suite. But above all, what makes this special is Papastefanou’s humanity – a primary ingredient when it comes to Bach performance.” (best classical albums of 2019 – The High Arts Review)
“What a sweetness there is in the playing of Alexandra Papastefanou … Whether the pace is lively or slow, we still feel this particular emotion that is good for our ears.” (Classique HD, Record of the Day’)
Global :4.5 out of 5 stars(4,5 / 5)
Interpretation :4.7 out of 5 stars(4.7 / 5)
Sound quality :4.7 out of 5 stars(4,7 / 5)
Well-being :4.5 out of 5 stars(4,5 / 5)
Reward (s) : Choice of Classic HD
RECORDING OF THE MONTH (Faces of Classical Music)
“I particularly enjoy the balance she brings to the various voices and the clarity of the inter-play.” (larkreviews.co.uk)
UK / European release: 1 November 2019
US / digital and streaming release: 15 November 2019
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