A New Album in the Digital Bach Series
The Art of the Fugue (Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV1080)is a collection of Johann Sebastian Bach' last compositions. His son, Carl, published the work in 1751, still incomplete. One theme is developed through contrapuntal variations. Much speculation and controversy has arisen as musicologists analyzed the pieces. The last fugue 14 has been of special interest as presumably the last music that Bach wrote and because his hand written score is unfinished at bar 239. His son Carl wrote on the score:" At the point where the composer introduces the name BACH in the countersubject to this fugue, the composer died."
Glenn Gould recorded his versions of the Fugues (piano and organ) and I have enjoyed and followed his approach to studio recording -- the essence of which is creativity and minute attention to detail. In an online review of Gould's recording, David Bryson stated:" One of the most extraordinary things about Bach is how popular he manages to be for all his seeming severity. The Art of Fugue is innocent of the lyricism that was also part of Bach's infinite musical gift, it makes no compromises with us, but I would say to newcomers to the work that Gould's accounts, partial as they are, would be the best place to start to know this unique and towering masterpiece... Gould chose to play the Art of Fugue on the organ, giving the separate voices, indeed, every note, dynamic equality... with sound powerful and regal enough to do it justice but with the clipped, clavichord rhythm that brings out the playful personalities of which these fugues consist, emphasizing as Gould always does the conversational diversity and harmony that is the essence of counterpoint."
While both Bach and Gould receive a lot of attention from fans and scholars with attendant arguments, my approach is (with due reverence) to follow my own instincts, preferences, and creativity. I wanted to achieve a version of the Art of the Fugue that is different from previous versions. I have spent over 2 years developing my arrangements and could issue several albums with quite divergent interpretations.
One melodic theme repeats thru many variations. Four voices interact in contrapuntal relationships that develop quite differently in each fugue. I have orchestrated many of the fugues using synthesizer voices that are both instrumental and also create novel sounds. The basic instruments are grand piano, electronic pianos, vibraphone, trumpet, oboe, acoustic and electric basses. Some purely synthesizer sounds are used in a voice or string like manner for sustaining sounds. I believe I have reached an understanding with Bach and Gould, that these pieces have an infinite quality that cannot be contained in any individual's opinion of them.
More about the Art of the Fugue by Stephen Gislason
Read the Sound of Music
From Persona Digital Studio
