Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Works: Fantasia in C minor, BWV 906; Fifteen Two-Part Inventions, BWV 772-786; Fifteen Three-Part Sinfonias, BWV 787-801; Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, BWV 903
Performers: Angela Hewitt, piano
Recording: January 1994, Beethovensaal, Hanover, Germany
Label: Hyperion CDA66746
Johann Sebastian Bach’s keyboard works have long been regarded as foundational texts in the canon of classical music, establishing paradigms of counterpoint and harmonic exploration that resonate through centuries. The Inventions and Sinfonias, initially composed as pedagogical tools for his son Wilhelm Friedemann, encapsulate Bach’s genius in miniature, revealing not only technical mastery but also profound musicality. Angela Hewitt’s recording of these pieces is a testament to her interpretive depth and her ability to reveal the intricate beauty of Bach’s music through the lens of the piano.
Hewitt’s approach to the Two-Part Inventions is marked by a flowing lyricism that transcends the works’ didactic origins. From the outset, her interpretation of the first invention showcases a deft balance between the voices, with a rhythmic drive that feels both organic and purposeful. The second invention, with its playful interplay, is rendered with a lightness that invites the listener to savor its conversational character. Hewitt’s tempos are notably brisk yet never rushed, allowing the listener to appreciate the subtleties of Bach’s counterpoint. Her use of dynamic shading is particularly commendable; in the fourth invention in D minor, she navigates a rich landscape of contrasts, perfectly calibrating the intensity of each phrase.
The Three-Part Sinfonias also benefit from Hewitt’s nuanced touch. The addition of a third voice in these works introduces a layer of complexity that she handles with apparent ease. For instance, in Sinfonia No. 2, the delicate ornamentation unfolds with a natural grace that underscores the piece’s inherent charm. The E-flat major Sinfonia, with its cascading motifs, is a standout moment, though there are instances where the piano’s sustaining pedal threatens to blur the clarity of the counterpoint. Hewitt’s judicious use of the pedal is mostly effective, revealing her understanding of how to maintain the clarity of Bach’s intricate textures, particularly in the more complex passages.
The recording quality itself is exemplary, allowing the listener to experience the full spectrum of Hewitt’s tonal palette. The Beethovensaal’s acoustics provide a warm resonance that complements the piano’s percussive qualities, enhancing the rhythmic articulation of the Inventions and Sinfonias. In the larger structures of the Fantasia in C minor and the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue, Hewitt’s virtuosity shines through. The former’s dramatic contrasts are vividly portrayed, while the latter’s labyrinthine chromaticism is navigated with a fluency that speaks to Hewitt’s deep engagement with Bach’s language.
Comparatively, Hewitt’s interpretation stands out among a plethora of recordings that often treat these pieces as mere exercises rather than substantive works of art. While some pianists may adopt a more historically informed approach, emphasizing a harpsichord-like clarity, Hewitt embraces the piano’s capabilities, using its sustain and dynamic range to illuminate Bach’s genius. This makes her recording an essential listen for those seeking a vibrant and emotionally resonant interpretation of these canonical works.
Angela Hewitt’s recording of Bach’s Inventions and Sinfonias is not only a significant contribution to the discography of Bach’s keyboard music but also a compelling exploration of the emotional and technical intricacies of these masterpieces. Her interpretations reveal the depths of Bach’s thought, transforming these ‘little’ works into profound reflections of human experience. The combination of her thoughtful artistry and the exceptional sound quality creates a recording that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying, cementing its place as one of the finest renditions of this repertoire available today.
