Bach: Partitas BWV 825, 826, 830

J.S. Bach's first Clavier-Übung - the Partitas - is an important work which holds a particular status: it is the first major publication by a great musician at the height of his maturity - he was 46 - and already a living legend. A large part of the challenge it poses can be found in this contradiction; that a hurdle must give the impression of ease. Art must conceal art itself. My intention was to play them as I would wish to hear them, such as I thought they might be heard: here then is a proposal. And if this proposal incites a desire to delve further, my goal will have been achieved.

This is the second half of the recording made with the fabulous 1751 Henri Hemsch harpsichord in 2021-2022, in Royaumont Abbey.