Pieter Jan Belder JS Bach Miscellaneous Pieces For Harpsichord

This landmark set gathers all seven volumes of Pieter-Jan Belder’s exhaustive exploration of the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book in recordings spanning the current decade.

Actus Tragicus The words ‘art of dying’ sound strange to modern ears, perhaps. Although there are related philosophical, religious and ‘end of life’ health care, and much-debated legal concerns today surrounding the subject of dying, we moderns probably rarely, if ever, think of preparing for death as an art form. A central topic in sermons, hymns and contemplative literature, death and dying was a chief pastoral concern of the church of Johann Sebastian Bach’s day. Finding consolation and facing fears and anxieties near the time of death, and also as a part of everyday living, are arguably at the heart of the sacred vocal works of Bach, who is regarded by many as a kind of theologian in music.

Henry Purcell - Complete Chamber Music - Musica Amphion/Pieter-Jan Belder [5/7]
CD 5: 8 Suites for the harpsichord
Classical, Baroque | 1 CD | EAC | FLAC, CUE, LOG | Scans | 312 MB
Recorded: 2007, Doopsgezinde Kerk, Deventer, NL
Released: 2008 | Label: Brilliant 93647/5 | TT: 50:32 | RS
Pieter-Jan Belder - harpsichord

[…] a highlight in this compilation is Belder's fine interpretation of Purcell's Eight suites for harpsichord; full of life and energy one moment, intimate and atmospheric the next, Belder achieves an astounding variety of emotions within his performance. (Claudine Nightingale, musicalcriticism.com)

Actus Tragicus The words ‘art of dying’ sound strange to modern ears, perhaps. Although there are related philosophical, religious and ‘end of life’ health care, and much-debated legal concerns today surrounding the subject of dying, we moderns probably rarely, if ever, think of preparing for death as an art form. A central topic in sermons, hymns and contemplative literature, death and dying was a chief pastoral concern of the church of Johann Sebastian Bach’s day. Finding consolation and facing fears and anxieties near the time of death, and also as a part of everyday living, are arguably at the heart of the sacred vocal works of Bach, who is regarded by many as a kind of theologian in music.

Bach in Context a long-term collaboration series between Musica Amphion and Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam sheds new light on Bach s magnificent repertoire. By employing the church organ as continuo instrument and a one-per-part vocal setting, Bach s sound picture and performing practice is approached as closely as possible.