Johann Sebastian Bach - Köthen, A life in music, vol. 3 (Les Arts Florissants)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

• Orchestersuite No. 2, BWV 1067
• Præludium 1, BWV 846a
• Brandenburgisches Konzert No. 5, BWV 1050
• Praeludium & Fuga II, BWV 847
• Kantate "Durchlauchtster Leopold", BWV 173a

Les Arts Florissants

Paul Agnew, conductor

Benjamin Alard, clavichord & harpsichord

Date: 2026

Label: harmonia mundi

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This third volume in the A Life in Music series features conductor Paul Agnew and the ensemble Les Arts Florissants exploring the Köthen period (1717–1723) of Johann Sebastian Bach’s career, a time widely regarded as one of his most artistically fulfilling. The programme highlights key works from these years, including a notable cantata dedicated to Bach’s patron Prince Leopold. Performed with a group of distinguished soloists, the recording seeks to illuminate the creative richness and intimacy of Bach’s secular output from this period, presenting it within an informed historically conscious performance tradition.

Les Arts Florissants, founded in 1979 and closely associated with its founder William Christie, is an internationally renowned ensemble specialising in Baroque music performed on period instruments. Named after the opera by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, it has also been regularly conducted by Paul Agnew since 2007. The ensemble has played a major role in reviving neglected 17th- and 18th-century repertoire, particularly French Baroque works, while also performing opera, sacred music and concert programmes worldwide. Its extensive discography and global concert activity are complemented by a strong commitment to education, including initiatives such as the Jardin des Voix academy and collaborations with institutions like the Juilliard School.

High Resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz