Johann Sebastian Bach - Bach on the Edge. A Selection of Harpsichord Works (Cristiano Gaudio)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

1. Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 903: I. Fantasia
2. Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 903: II. Fuga
3. Sonata in D Minor, BWV 964: I. Adagio
4. Sonata in D Minor, BWV 964: II. Fuga. Allegro
5. Sonata in D Minor, BWV 964: III. Andante
6. Sonata in D Minor, BWV 964: IV. Allegro
7. Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731 (transcr. Cristiano Gaudio)
8. Prelude in C Minor, BWV 921
9. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Ricercar a 6
10. O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß, BWV 622 (transcr. Cristiano Gaudio)
11. Das wohltemperierte Klavier I: XXIV. Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, BWV 869: I. Praeludium. Andante
12. Das wohltemperierte Klavier I: XXIV. Prelude and Fugue in B Minor, BWV 869: II. Fuga a 4. Largo
13. Toccata in D Major, BWV 912
14. Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott, BWV 721 (transcr. Cristiano Gaudio)

Cristiano Gaudio, harpsichord

Date: 2026

Label: Arcana

_____________________

This recording presents harpsichordist Cristiano Gaudio in his second solo album, exploring works by Johann Sebastian Bach that reflect the composer’s relentless drive for experimentation and technical expansion. The programme spans a wide range of Bach’s output, from the virtuosic Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue to the intricate contrapuntal writing of the The Musical Offering, including the transcription of the Violin Sonata No. 2 and the structurally innovative final fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier. Building on his critically acclaimed debut, Gaudio delivers interpretations that highlight both intellectual depth and expressive intensity, underscoring Bach’s pursuit of artistic and spiritual perfection.

Cristiano Gaudio is an Italian harpsichordist and specialist in early keyboard performance who began his training in piano and harpsichord at the Conservatorio di Castelfranco Veneto before focusing entirely on historical keyboards after completing his piano diploma. He continued advanced studies at the CNSMD in Paris with Olivier Baumont and Blandine Rannou, and later at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis with Francesco Corti. His artistic development has been influenced by leading figures in early music and supported by multiple international competition prizes, including the Claudio Abbado Prize. Gaudio has performed as a soloist and with ensembles such as Les Talens Lyriques and Le Concert de la Loge at major international venues, and he currently teaches harpsichord at the Conservatorio G. Donizetti in Bergamo.