Bachcast - biberfan John Hendron

John listens to recordings of Bach's sixth English Suite for 2 hands

BWV 1020 may not be by Bach; but it's a strong sonata that has been played by different instruments, most notably flute or violin

We listen to several versions of the Sinfonia, and two recordings of the cantata.

My first discovery of the world of baroque music is tied to this very concerto. I survey a number of excellent recordings.


Andreas Staier with FBO
Francesco Cera with I Barocchisi
Pierre Hantaï with Le Concert Français
Sergio Ciomei with Europa Galante

The harpsichord concertos by Bach are believed by some to all be arrangements of concertos Bach originally wrote for different instruments. In the case of BWV 1054, we have the surviving version for violin, the Concerto in E, BWV 1042. The harpsichord version differs, with Bach adding more idiomatic material for the harpsichord in several sections. Formally, the first and second movement contain more musical material and a short finale closes the concerto in the similar affable, cheery style that opened the concerto with a major triad.

John explores favorite renditions from the first suite for solo cello, including from Yo-Yo Ma's new recording on Sony Classical

BWV 538 is one of the "big" toccata and fugue pairs by J.S. Bach