Johann Sebastian Bach - French Suites (Wolfgang Brunner)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

• Suite in D minor, BWV 812
• Suite in E-flat major, BWV 815
• Suite in C minor, BWV 813
• Suite in G major, BWV 816
• Suite in B minor, BWV 814
• Suite in E major, BWV 817

Wolfgang Brunner, harpsichord

Date: 2026

Label: Gramola Records

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In a vivid architectural and artistic analysis, renowned harpsichordist and historical performance expert Wolfgang Brunner describes an authentic 1628 keyboard instrument crafted by Andreas Ruckers of the famous Flemish harpsichord-making dynasty. Stripped of specific technical terms like "soundboard" or "lid," his description evokes a rich, pastoral artwork rather than a musical instrument, highlighting a floral-and-fauna soundboard, block-printed wallpaper, and an idyllic landscape painting added later to the lid. This specific historical instrument is featured on the accompanying recording, where Brunner performs Johann Sebastian Bach’s complete six French Suites, bridging visual historical art with Baroque musical practice.

German keyboardist and historical performance expert Wolfgang Brunner has established an illustrious career as a performer, educator, and scholar. After graduating cum laude from the Music Academy of Munich, he completed advanced studies in harpsichord, fortepiano, and historical performance practice at the Mozarteum University Salzburg under eminent mentors like Nikolaus Harnoncourt. Since 1985, Brunner has taught historical keyboard instruments at the Mozarteum. Considered a premier performer of his generation, he frequently collaborates with leading early music artists and founded the ensemble Salzburger Hofmusik in 1991. His extensive, critically acclaimed discography includes world-premiere recordings on period instruments alongside published scholarship on dance history.