Anything, any performance art is hiding somewhere on TH-cam or Social Media. It's fairly common for Universities with great Music Schools to have groups that play on period instruments.
I've been waiting a long time wondering when NBS was going to do The Art Of Fugue and how they were going to do it. I'm absolutely stunned, just speechless. So much consideration and planning involved in the performance of each number. The inclusion of vocalists is a masterstroke. It pays homage to Bach's insistence that, if the human voice is an instrument, then singers are expected to express every note and passage an instrumentalist would, no matter how technically challenging. It also makes me feel less of a twat walking down the street subconsciously dabadabadoing Bach's tunes out loud. The completion of the triple fugue at the end is utterly fantastic. If the Mass In B Minor is Bach's ultimate statement of faith then BWV 1080 is his last will and testament to how music composition is done. This performance is simply bewildering for its originality and variety. Every player in the ensemble is a worthy exponent of that artist who channelled the harmony of the spheres for the edification of humankind. Shunske Sato cements his position as the rightful successor to Van Veldhoven in directing the Netherlands Bach Society. A total triumph. Thank you so much.
After listening to this many times in the last two days, and reading and liking through the comments, you said what I felt the best. I can not agree more. In my first listening of this performance I wrote down - By far the most beautiful of Bach!!!
What a wonderful, unexpected surprise! I am so thrilled that a complete cross-section of your musicians, including the vocalists, participated in the recording. I've always found Kunst der Fuge difficult to approach when considered against many of Bach's other works. Shunske Sato's arrangement here solves the problem in a thoroughly up-to-date manner. Thank you NBS! Refreshing, exceptional performance (and lighting), as always! You have made not just my day, but my whole month! ♥
I agree dear miss. For me also unexpected surprise and right the arrangement from Shunske SATO permit to better understand this mysterious work from J. S. BACH.. I join on your thanks to Netherla. BACH. Society.
@@mariacelinachavarriagonzal157 ... moved, honoured and befuddled because 1080 is highly didactic music theory stuff which he never intended to be performed by an ensemble in front of an audience. 😅
Initial response to hearing just first six fugues: This is beautiful, touching and thought-provoking, and very much emphasizes the expressive potential of this work without sacrificing the essential clarity. As a musicologist, I am convinced that Bach wrote this is as keyboard work; but as a listener, I usually prefer to hear ensemble performances, regardless of whether that reflects Bach's intention or not. I've heard and enjoyed many different arrangements, but I believe this is the first time I've heard voices introduced into the work. In the companion video, Sato says this vocal element makes the music more vulnerable, which I feel is true of the first fugue; but in the Stylo Francese fugue it actually creates a very different effect -- majestic, dramatic, almost terrifying. Either way, it enhances the humanity of the work. I look forward to hearing the rest soon.
The Swingle Singers recorded Coutrapunctus 9 in 1963..in very much the same style like they did it here...The use of voices reminds me nothing but them. Not Sato's original idea.
@@ttwiligh7 😉Shunske Sato referenced the Swingle Singers in his information on the BWV 1080 production on their website. He wrote "The sung Contrapunctus 9 is intended as a tribute to their great recording." The link is provided at the top of the comments. I love that I now have the opportunity to see and hear more performers of the Netherlands Bach Society including the singers as intended by Shunske Sato. As usual the audio, video and lightning are outstanding. Shout out to the staging and the location, the Grote Kerk in Veere (provincie Zeeland).
@@micheltibon6552 I know. They mentioned the Swingle Singers only after I suggested they should have done so. You can read the whole argument on the other posting of mine. Glad they took it seriously.
NBS is is one of the finest musicians in the world. I was so sad and felt guilty that I couldn't attend Sato's performance in Sydney. I do listen to them almost every night before I get to sleep. Emil/ Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 ♥️
I hear this music also at the late evening before going to sleep. For example this evening, 2023/10/06. Really impressing! it impressed both, my head and my soul likewisely.
Netherlands Bach is simply the most amazing ensemble in the world for Bach. There are so many groups that perform this great music, but Netherlands, somehow, finds a way to out-do themselves. The Art of the Fugue is one of my favorite works and a towering achievement of Bach. To perform this epic piece in the way presented here is beyond astonishing, especially the vocal elements. Exquisitely filmed, both audio and video. Bravi to all involved.
Agreed -- and the videography is so well done, unpretentious but precise, fluid with the music. I wonder if this Bach group doesn't represent a small oasis of sanity and civilization in the midst of a world gone largely, and willfuly, insane.
????????/ What a very "restricitve" comment ! So many more as talented if not more ! Rondeau is such a great example ! th-cam.com/video/XcsfDxojdV8/w-d-xo.html Herreweghe, Jacobs, Goebel, Christie, Harnoncourt, Corboz, Marriner, Taverner, Pinnock, Parrott, Niquet, Hantai.......Even Ristenpart's version of the Art of the fugue is sublime !
@@ettoregelli6834 Bach's compositional techniques and musical language have influenced countless composers across different periods and styles. His mastery of counterpoint, harmonic progression, and formal structures has been studied and emulated by generations of musicians.
After having heard hundreds of versions of this work, and having played this music myself even in concerts, this audacious and pertinent interpretation has managed to motivate me to fully rediscover it. Congratulations to Sato and all those who participated in this new version of one of the greatest musical creations in history.
J’imagine Mr J.S Bach un peu à l’écart, assis, écoutant le travail de la Netherlands Bach sous la direction de Sato, sur sa Fugue… surpris, peut-être choqué, ce qui n’est pas sûr, mais très vite amusé, séduit, car toute sa vivacité, son art est là ! Bravo et Merci à vous tous! Que c’est beau!
Quand une exécution d'une œuvre musicale me plait il est toujours intéressant de lire les commentaires que TH-cam accepte. Je me prends la peine de les lires toutes pour autant qu'ils n'aille pas dans le mille. Certains vont dans le mille. Le vôtre contient la questions très intéressante: " Qu' eut pensé l'auteur de l'œuvre , de l'arrangement de sa composition. Arrangement ??? Vous l'appelé TRAVAIL. Cela me semble en effet bien plus correcte. Ce qui m' a choqué dans un premier abord en vous lisant était précisément le mot "choqué". Afin vous poursuivez: "pas sûr, mais très vite amusé, séduit..." Très vite vous me consolé car je vois que l'exécution magistrale des interprètes de la NBS du TRAVAIL vous a plus et vous les remercié tous. Bravo. Je me joins à vous. Ma conviction: Jean Sebastian eut été enchanté du TRAVAIL. Moi je l'été --- --- --- je l' écoute pour la troisième fois tout en compagnie de la pleine lune. Cette exhibition fera date. une merveille. Pas une œuvre purement intellectuelle comme certain " musicologues " voudrait taxé " L' ART DE LA FUGA " que ce titre soit de J.S. BAQH, pire un Salomon JADASSON : " ,,,Das ganze Werk für eine praktische Ausführung nicht gedacht
Merci pour votre contribution. … Il faut savoir lire l’humour… et le billet entier avant de sursauter !!! … j’ai écrit « peut-être choqué, ce qui n’est pas sûr, mais très vite amusé, séduit » C’était une fiction et une critique indirecte des puristes, un hommage à ce si beau travail, que vous admirez… mais essayez d’imaginer JS. Bach, assis derrière… amusant, non ? Bien sûr Bach n’est pas là !
I imagine Mr J.S Bach, sitting a little apart in the shade, listening to this new version of his Fugue… surprised perhaps? But how quickly amused, enthusiastic to hear these great, great… grandchildren, the generous work of the Netherlands Bach under the direction of Mr Sato!
I've lived with this piece for most of my life. The awful moment when the music stops has always been highly emotional for me because, like so many, the 4th theme feels so close. And today, I heard in sound what my heart and mind has been pondering for so long- and it is so glorious. But beyond that- the sense from the beginning, that the open score opened into the rich variety of sounds you all created was even more transcendent. The music seems released in a way no simple ensemble could accomplish. I thank you for this wonderful gift.
Was für eine wunderschöne Überraschung, das schon immer geliebte Werk so neu und farbig zu hören und zu sehen! Vielen vielen Dank an die großartigen Musiker.
Bach himself must have played this in a stunning way on the harpsichord, and some rare musicians followed in his footsteps during our present lifetime. It is so natural and compelling to have many more musicians join in to this true miracle of creation. You did it. Right here we are sharing your love for each instrument and each way of intonation and tuning in. I am deeply moved by this rendition. Thank you NBS and Mr Sato.
@ Bobasdf123🖐️ mon voisin suivant te le dira en Anglais, et moi, j'ai pensé en Français= "" mais quelle chance, moi je voudrais m'installer bcp de jours à la suite, pour faire une cure et pouvoir élever mon âme aux PaysBas, entre les mains de Bach et de ces formidables PASSEURS DE LUMIERES ‼️🌈💝"" cela ne se fera que dans mon imaginaire, mais le SON entendu est déjà si parfait que je m'en étonne à chaque oeuvre PARFAITEMENT enregistrée.!🌈 MERCI à tous de trouver toujours d'autres louanges pour célébrer notre amour commun, quel lien indescriptible‼️🌷🙏
This is a daring and absolutely stunning achievement. The completion of the final fugue by Kees van Houten and Leo van Doeselaar is *very* convincing. Words fail . . .
Contrapunctus 6 is where this project become an absolute marvel for me. Just so many perfect instrumental choices, this is truly an era-defining recording. Thank you to the NBS.
Absolut großartige Interpretation. Ein Werk, das selbst eingefleischte Bachianer nicht so recht an sich heranlässt, wird plötzlich hörbar. Allein schon die Idee, den Eingangs-Contrapunctus a capella singen zu lassen, ist ein Hinhörer. Danke für diese Einspielung.
The Art of Bach. He did the impossible, creating works of extremely high value. Without it, we would surely not be the same, and this is highlighted in the 1080 registered works. AN AUTHENTIC GENIUS OF MUSIC AND THE ART OF THIS.
Votre prestation est remarquable et exceptionnelle de beauté ! De plus, c’est tellement bien filmé pour visualiser chaque musicien et ou chanteur avec son propre instrument. Je suis absolument sous le charme ! Je vous suis depuis ces quelques années où je vous ai découvert,…et pour moi vous êtes certainement le tout meilleur ensemble mondial pour interpréter les oeuvres de J.S.BACH et autres Bach. Bravissimo ! Compliments à chacune & chacun. C’est toujours un réel enchantement de vous écouter, de vous voir, de vous retrouver. IMMENSE M E R C I à tout le staff de Netherlands Bach Society M
Your interpretation of this immortal masterpiece leaves me speechless... It is as if the universe was talking to itself in so many voices... indescribably beautiful.
Magnifique reprise vocale et instrumentale de l'Art de la fugue ! La voix, le plus beau des instruments, alterne avec les séquences jouées par les cordes et les vents. ...Bravo Netherlands Bach Society!
Wow! I was not expecting much but the vocal Contrapunctus 1 just blew me away. The different instrumentations used throughout make this a gem. A recording I know I will come back to listen over and over again. Well done, NBS! Bravo!
Un merveilleux coup de génie, une interprétation fabuleuse d'excellence , un renouvellement total grâce aux voix, Merci à Tous qui servez Bach sur votre Vie entière !💖💫
I'd like every instrument would be identified when camera focus on it. Some are really uncommon. This performance is absolutely incredible in its beauty. Kudos for the whole ensemble. And thanks to the NBS for sharing their exceptional recordings for free.
I feel I have wasted so much of my sixty years, only recently discovering the beauty of Bach. The love, care, expertise, knowledge and passion that has gone in to this arrangement and performance is beyond what I can express - audio and video too - stunning work
@@henkkelderman4182 Must admit the quality of the NBS productions are superhigh. The audio, lights, the video, the players, I am also impressed by the choice of the locations of my beloved Netherlands i.e. Amsterdam. I also like the quality of the comments all these videos attract. I can learn a lot of them. Groeten uit Luxembourg.
In my life I've listened to dozens of KDFs. This rendition is by far the most compelling, exciting, glorious I'm aware of. The whole thing leaved me completely speechless. I do hope that sooner or later you'll release an audio only version (CD, digital download tracks, whatever) to be able to appreciate even more your wonderful work. A big thank you to all the musicians and the technicians involved in this labour of love.
How lovely to spend a dark and cool September evening while these beautiful musicians (who I see as my old friends) spend their own September evening exploring the Art of Fugue. I am so grateful to have grown from a young age to love the music of Bach, and I am ever so grateful to hear his music interpreted by such a wonderful collaboration.
Wow! I wasn't aware that anyone had attempted to complete the final Fugue, but I'm grateful that van Houten and van Doeselaar have done so here. While we will never know Bach's true intention in this final Fugue, this reconstruction is quite excellent, and certainly worthwhile. Thank you, Netherlands Bach Society, for sharing this astounding music with the world through your channel!
Большое спасибо! Уникальнейшая запись! Все участники большие молодцы! Ждал, что последняя фуга оборвётся на полуслове, но не тут-то было! Это прекрасно!
The choice of timbres really does fit each movement very well! I've always had a bit of trouble listening to more than a few sections of this massive piece at once, but this recording is absolutely captivating!
They made it more captivating artificially introducing timbre variations, which is fine but alters significantly the general conception of the work (the Art of Fugue is not the Musical Offering or the Mass in B minor and Bach wanted that way). I also do not understand certain other manipulations, like inserting those chorales or even reverting rectus and inversus. The performance is good, but it is not what Bach wrote (even setting the well-known ordering problems aside) and I think it is essential to listen to a keyboard rendition, scrupolously respecting what little we know about the score. I do not want to be a purist at all costs, but this is a very difficult work and there are more easy-listening Bach pieces if one has problems with it. I feel that altering it diminishes it too, in some way. I hope that this 'vulgar' version (in linguistic terms, without any dispregiative implications) might near the listener to other interpretations where the original intentions of the composer are as fully respected as possible.
This is something completely amazing that I was waiting for so long! It makes it so much better we get this in one full recording. Thank you so much NBS for recording this in such and extraordinary way. Amazing. Once again, thank you so much and God bless you all ❤️
Eine großartige Interpretation der "Kunst der Fuge"! Ich denke, Bach hat der Nachwelt jede Freiheit gelassen, seine Musik zu interpretieren, wie es auch immer passend ist. Im Contrapunctus 1 war ich an die Swingle Singers aus den 60er bis 70er Jahren erinnert, die mich seinerzeit schon gewaltig beeindruckten. Immer wieder fantastische Qualität, die die NBS mit größtmöglicher Werknähe darstellen. Herzlichen Dank!
This is a work of such profundity, depth, and mysticism as to be quite beyond the average listener and challenging even for the most dedicated. It is Bach at his most impenetrable. The arrangement is bold and ambitious and succeeds on many levels and I was utterly captivated by it. The dedication of this society to Bach's art is truly invaluable and we are all blessed to have it.
One voice stands on itself alone and will never be heard. But what happens if one voice is picked up by another voice which responds it..? A big BRAVO for all who made this unique event happen. This performance with its never heard and surprising combinations of different voices, that all worked wonderfully well, is a great tribute to the composer of all composers and a big demonstration of the fact that (Bach's) music is universal, timeless and endless, also endless in the various possibillities to be played and to play with.. The last fugue expresses this all the best: we are all in this together. Thank you so much!
Marvellous work of Shunske Sato and Netherlands Bach Society. For me, the best arrangement ever of The Art of Fugue. Congratulations and thanks from Argentina.
I've never heard the viola being extensively used, apart from Brandenburg 6. Also with seeing another soloist apart from Yamagata/Sato. It really sets this piece apart from the other NBS works and films.
However, it is a shame that all the artists involved aren't listed in the description. I wish NBS would add that, even though Sato is the artistic director/conductor, to at least give recognition to the amazing work that *everyone* in the ensemble gave for this one-of-a-kind performance.
@@randomoneforstuff3696 The website containing further information and description of the music lists the credits of not only the musicians, but the film crew and others involved too.
The Art of Fugue is so transcendental, and I'm so attached to it, that it brings me to tears of joy and awe. It helped me through the worst of my graduate studies, when I listened to it every day, multiple times a day. I've been exploring different recordings of it ever since. I have also come to know the NBS after it became the most recommended channel for Bach's music for me on TH-cam and subscribing to them. What a wonderful surprise a week ago when I saw this recording pop up. This production and arrangement are stellar! It's quite a reference recording for this work and I hope you release it in its full uncompressed glory someday (any plans for selling a CD or digital release of this work?). I was so touched that I ended up looking up your website and reading all about your group and the work you do. If I ever have the chance, you can bet I'll be at one your concerts. Also... after 12 years of lurking on TH-cam, I think this is my first comment ever over here (that should say something about how touched I am by this recording. I think I've been listening to it on average every ~1.2 days so far).
Thank you for writing your first comment ever and great to read that you love our recording of the Art of Fugue! At this moment, we have no plans to publish our recordings on CD/DVD, since the aim of the All of Bach project is to make video recordings and spread them via our website allofbach.com and TH-cam. We believe that online streaming is a very effective way to spread our recordings to a worldwide audience. Also, video adds an extra experience: as if you were present at the concert. That information will be lost if you separate the audio from the video. We hope you will continue to enjoy our recordings and you are most welcome to attend one of our live concerts someday!
@@bach I shall happily continue to enjoy this incredible recording over here. I agree about how the video is an important part of the experience, and again, this whole production is exceptional, including the video production. Being able to watch it also brings you so much closer to the NBS (whatever that psychological effect is of seeing other human beings perform an activity you connect with). In fact, it got me inspired enough that I finally sat down to seriously practice one of the canons on the piano. I'm just weary of TH-cam as a medium for archiving a treasure like this one, but I'm sure you will transfer it if it were ever necessary and hold on to the original assets for immortalizing this work for a long time. Again, thank you for this incredible gift to humanity. I'll add NBS to my list of donation targets and send a donation when I can. Keep up the good work!
WOW! Thank you all SO much for finally releasing this! I admire all your hard work very much, especially Mr. Sato and his lovely direction. This was a beautiful performance, using a wonderful variation of instruments...I expect Bach would be more than pleased with all of you!
Beautiful composition from Johann, this is my first time listening to it, Bach never stops amazing me, the more I listen to his compositions, the more I understand why my dad named me after him. I wonder how good does it feel to play on these recording, I know I would love to play surrounded by all these wonderful musicians, at such a beautiful scenario.
The concept, the selection, the instrumentation, the interpretation, the arrangements: all of a high quality class. God bless the Netherlands Bach Society!!!
Insanely beautiful interpretation of one of humanity's greatest achievements! Tears pouring on my cheeks! I've listened to so many excellent interpretations of this monumental work, but this one is the most astonishing and emotional I've ever experienced! Deeply grateful to the Bach Netherlands Society and its exquisite musicians!
This is a stunningly well executed piece by the members of the Netherlands Bach Society. Thoroughly professional, full of colour, excitement and light! Very well done to you all.
Absolutely divine, beautiful, incredible, extraordinary, amazing, unbelievable! Many hugs to all of you! Extraordinary artists, musicians, and human beings.
I was about twenty-year old when, after my first encounter with classical music with Beethoven’s symphonies, I fell in love with Bach and began to buy LPs with cantatas, B minor mass, Brandenburg concertos, orchestral suites. As a beginner, coming to “theoretical” music, I found too difficult to listen to the Art of Fugue played on harpsicord, and so my first meeting with this masterpiece was the fantastic Neville Marriner’s version for orchestra. This stayed for 40 years in my mind the as "one and only" Art of Fugue, even if I was later able to tackle with harpsicord interpretation (if I’m not wrong Gustav Leonhard’ one). So, I was a little suspicious when reading that Maestro Sato in his version decided to use non-conventional instruments and human voices. Well, I have to say now that this interpretation is really good, confirming that NBS is the top Bach’s orchestra. It will take several listenings to replace in my heart my “reference recording” by the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, specially because some tempo choices by NBS are very different, but I’m fairly sure it will happen! Congratulations and thanks to the Netherlands Bach Society for their marvelous work.
Incredibile! I was listening to couintless interpretations of these pieces. But never waas I touched intellectually as well as emotionally in a way and intensity as hearing these performances. Wonderfull, touching and just perfect. THX. By publishing - freely! - this music you made a precious gift to everyone.
Once again, NBS smashes it out of the park. Thank you for all the music and performances that you provide us with. Hopefully one day, I will fly over to the Netherlands again so that I can see you perform.
This is the most amazing performance of the Art of the Fugue I've ever heard. There is something about the human voice which resonates in the listener unlike the instruments. Even though they only sang vowels sounds I was blown away tearful. It was like listening to Chaconne but for hours.
I think this piece is the reason why Bach is the GOAT. Structure and complexity at its best. Like never ending river flows without getting boring. So your performance. Just Brilliant 👌
L' ANGELO DI LUCE, SCRIVE F.K., È IL CUSTODE DELLA PORTA DELLA LEGGE E ASPETTA CHE K. CAPISCA MA,SCRIVE F.K., K. NON È IN GRADO DI COMPRENDERE IL CONTENUTO DELLA LEGGE E ALLORA L'ANGELO DI LUCE CHIUDE LA PORTA. K. NON POTRÀ ENTRARE E L'ANGELO SI ACCOMIATA DICENDOGLI: "QUESTA PORTA ERA STATA APERTA PER TE". L'UNICO ESSERE CHE È PASSATO OLTRE LA PORTA DELLA LEGGE SI CHIAMA JSB. L'ANGELO DI LUCE INSOSTENIBILE LO ACCOGLIE E TIENE APERTA LA PORTA DELLA LEGGE PER LUI...
Once I was at a live performance of Die Kunst of Fuge of a small ensemble with four members. It went very well, I was drowned in Bach's unique esthetic atmosphere but suddenly they stopped, one of the members went a little bit wrong it disturbed the other members: the devil in the details. They quiet solved it and went further. Die Kunst der Fuge is extra complex and thus vulnerable to play, it needs an extraordinary concentration because every player has to stick to his or her own part, it's so difficult to hold on. This registration is a miracle in every level. What a collective achievement!
It is probably the most wonderful version of this work that has that mystical and abstract resonance that we need to feel again and again. Thank you for this offering that seems like the closure of something, the end that does not conclude and opens. Here is everything one has ever dreamed of hearing. And I prefer to say it, it is the most wonderful recreation, without a doubt it is... 🙏🏻
Sono anni che ascolto tutta l’opera del sommo maestro, ma l’Arte della Fuga è così straordinariamente affascinante, misteriosa ed ogni volta ascoltare è una nuova emozione, eseguita per organo, clavicembalo o come in questo magnifico video. Bach è stato ispirato dal divino per scrivere questa opera. Grazie per tutto il vostro lavoro di eseguire la musica del più grande musicista.❤
4h30 am in the morning : listening that stunning delivery of Bach to the World ! How to say thank you for that free online access to the Mentor's music : unbelievable !
I think that was Bach's intention. To give you a 'why' to continue living, even if its just solely to marvel at this work of unparalleled beauty and genius. To me, no-one has ever attempted the 'why', not even Bach before this, but in this one work he explains it in crystal clarity, I don't know how, but mystery is everything to the Art of Fugue...
@@MitchBoucherComposer they had AMPLE time to exercise their respective talents. we still do. but a world of distractions begot us in the 20th. Now in the 21st ... we are fighting a BraveNewWorld monster. Era Karma. way different music
So, I've listened through about four times. And each time, it's still so vibrant and fresh. The intensity of the performers creates a visceral reaction in me as alistener/observer. I'm particularly taken with how we pass through a kind of "day" with the lighting leading to the dusk of the final contrapunctus. Even though I know by now what is coming- i'm still unprepared. This is transcendent in a word defining way.
This is an incomparable offering and extraordinary achievement of scholarship, musicianship, and vision. While I've heard KdF's all my life, and surely worked through it on the organ, this does take the prize for the most compelling and memorable rendition I've experienced, from the beauty and clarity of the vocal Contrapunctus I to the masterfully and tastefully completed final fugue. The _Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sein_ verses added a further unique touch deeply meaningful to anyone familiar with the tradition and reception of this masterpiece. How many _brave_ can I muster!? Thank you, NBS and Shunske Sato in particular, but all glory to Bach, who brought us all here.
@@michaelcox6389 You may choose to glorify God, as Bach did. When I compare the work of Bach to the work of other mortal men and women, musicians or not, I choose to glorify him.
@@michaelcox6389 Super question. While my first thought is, "Never, he would point to God as the source of whatever gifts he had." Yet, he did not refrain from honor (e.g., the Mizler society and the portrait that goes with it). The existence of encyclopedic works, like the Art of Fugue in particular, indicate (to me, at least) that he was aware that he had very special talents and knowledge and a responsibility to share them with posterity. In this very last, unfinished fugue, he was not too humble as to not sign it with his own name in notes. He demanded quality in his performers and resources, etc.... he knew he was worth the best. And there are at least legends of his contests with other renown organists/composers (e.g., Marchand). So he was not "humble to a fault before God", but knew quite well how special he was (although, surely, he'd attribute that to God). How to balance humility and fair appreciation of world-class-genius fits somewhere into the question you ask. "Glorified", like people bowing down to him? No. "Glorified" by being the top musician in a major Saxon city and having 3-hour passions performed? Is that "glorified" or "just doing his job"? Who is to say?
@@michaelcox6389 Consider, too, the Taj Mahal, erected by the grieving Shah Jahan in memory of his departed wife, Mumtaz. It is actually a mosque, with inscriptions from the Qur'an all over it. It is to the glory of Allah, in the Muslim vision, and to Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz. Yet, when we see it, or even venture to Agra to behold it ourselves (as did I), people of every faith and persuasion, or none, we credit the architect(s), who, indeed were assembled by Shah Jahan, and who had studied every sort of architecture known in the world at that time. When we credit, or even venerate, artists deeply informed or inspired by a tradition, faith, and/or personal story, the proper assignment of credit or even glory is complex, and in some sense is the fabric of the human artistic narrative.
Sencillamente, un verdadero deleite para los sentidos. Una verdadera sorpresa que no hace más que confirmar que J. S. Bach fue y será único en esta forma de interpretar la música. Soy un admirador de Bach desde muy joven, y agradezco a Dios por poder escuchar su inspiración traducida en 7 notas que, combinadas sabía y mágicamente, nos transportan hacia el mismo cielo, dónde muy pronto podremos alabar con estos instrumentos y con nuestra propia voz a Dios que se deleita en todo lo bello. Un detalle para resaltar es la excelente puesta en escena, una verdadera obra de arte, y el lugar elegido para este concierto también merece ser destacado. Hermoso lugar. Sinceras felicitaciones a todos los que lo hicieron posible. Saludos desde Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina.
Sato is entirely correct, choosing the right instrumentation to bring out the voices in the best manner possible is of paramount importance for these pieces, and he's definitely succeeded. _Contrapunctus 8_ in particular is rendered fantastically.
Extraordinarily sensitive and appropriate approach to each of the fugues and canons. This is outstanding. Very clever selection of timbres and instrumentation employed to permit each fugal entry to be clearly heard. And a demonstration, if one were still to be needed, that at that period cornetti corni da caccia, and sackbuts did not overwhelm solo instruments of the viol and violin families. The completion of the last fugue is certainly the most satisfactory I've heard. A splendid achievement all round!
This interpretation is particularly revealing of the overall structure of the composition. It starts from a sorrow tone like a sinner's prayer and gradually turns into salvation, excitement and full praise. No other versions I come across have achieved this.
This is so amazing! Excellent finish of the XIV as well and with the main theme included it is now 4 soggetti (pretty obviously as intended). Kudos to the sound engineers, cameras and lighting, everything so well done!
Beautiful arrangement! I enjoyed how each individual ensemble gave the various instruments a chance to be heard on a more personal level, both individually and in combination with other instruments.
Amazing. As a complete musical layman I remember the day when riding a bus I had a flash of intellect and I caught the idea of KfD while listening to Musica Antiqua Köln rendition. Today, NBS gave me yet another perspective of this masterpiece. Thank you.
Incredible that they used cornetto in this! (Zink in German) I play this instrument and know that Back specified it in a number of his cantatas as a doubline instrument, but was very happy to run into its unique sound here. Congratulations on this outstanding interpretation of one of the greatest musical works in history!
This performance is utterly amazing! The uncommon, but quite fitting, instrumentation makes this performance exceptionally more interesting than those of just piano or string quartet, and the different voices are brought out nicely. While absolutes should be used sparingly, I truly think this is the _best_ performance ever recorded of the Art of the Fugue. Many thanks NBS! 😌
Maravilha de composição que só podia sair da genialidade criadora musical de Bach. Execução magistral. Correção técnica e domínio pleno da complexa trama instrumental. Parabéns aos músicos que enfrentaram a diversidade dos conjuntos com competência. As vozes deram uma qualificação sonora muito especial ao conjunto dessa obra única na história da música ocidental.
The Art of Fugue is one of the greatest musical achievements that this composer had to offer to the God which gave him life! Bach’s music is God and this arrangement (thank you NBS!) makes this piece no less than perfection! Thank you, thank you, and my sincerest thank you!!!
The beauty of the music and these performances of it goes without saying - when combined with the superb filmmaking the whole production is a piece of beauty and theatre that I will treasure for the rest of my days - the stunning finale, with daylight gone, leaves me with a sense of a great journey over and reaching landfall - incredibly beautiful - thank you
I never thought that "Die Kunst der Fuge", which has a heavy taste like oxidized silver, could produce such a wonderfully modern and refreshing sound. In addition, I think that Shunsuke Sato drew out from this work the Basso Continuo-like philosophy that flows through the Matthew Passion as well as the Mass in B minor, which is the essence of Bach. Great!👍
It’s incredible that this channel exists
Unfortunately as an exception, not as a rule... :/
And is free
Bach only fans club
Anything, any performance art is hiding somewhere on TH-cam or Social Media. It's fairly common for Universities with great Music Schools to have groups that play on period instruments.
It’s an amazing gift to the world.
Unreal. This channel has managed to completely take over my life. I'm completely obsessed with Bach
real, same. Made me book the apocalyps opera and a ticket for die kunst der fuge performance in amsterdam lol
Music for the soul and heart. Everything Bach wrote was mystical
Dear one, for sure you are not the only one, I’m studying Bach and is incredible beautiful and difficult
I've been waiting a long time wondering when NBS was going to do The Art Of Fugue and how they were going to do it. I'm absolutely stunned, just speechless. So much consideration and planning involved in the performance of each number. The inclusion of vocalists is a masterstroke. It pays homage to Bach's insistence that, if the human voice is an instrument, then singers are expected to express every note and passage an instrumentalist would, no matter how technically challenging. It also makes me feel less of a twat walking down the street subconsciously dabadabadoing Bach's tunes out loud. The completion of the triple fugue at the end is utterly fantastic.
If the Mass In B Minor is Bach's ultimate statement of faith then BWV 1080 is his last will and testament to how music composition is done. This performance is simply bewildering for its originality and variety. Every player in the ensemble is a worthy exponent of that artist who channelled the harmony of the spheres for the edification of humankind. Shunske Sato cements his position as the rightful successor to Van Veldhoven in directing the Netherlands Bach Society.
A total triumph. Thank you so much.
After listening to this many times in the last two days, and reading and liking through the comments, you said what I felt the best. I can not agree more. In my first listening of this performance I wrote down - By far the most beautiful of Bach!!!
@@yulonliang6484 Thanks! Trust me, that was the short version.
The Swingle Singers recorded Contrapunctus 9 many years ago with a very similar vocal arrangement. This was a lovely nod to them.
@@markdougherty8203 TRES NOMBREUSES, les années !💖💫
I come back to this video all the time. It saves the day. What a magnificent achievement
This is the first time I've heard of this kind of The Art of Fugue. The idea of starting this piece with human voices is wonderful.
What a wonderful, unexpected surprise! I am so thrilled that a complete cross-section of your musicians, including the vocalists, participated in the recording. I've always found Kunst der Fuge difficult to approach when considered against many of Bach's other works. Shunske Sato's arrangement here solves the problem in a thoroughly up-to-date manner. Thank you NBS! Refreshing, exceptional performance (and lighting), as always! You have made not just my day, but my whole month! ♥
I agree dear miss. For me also unexpected surprise and right the arrangement from Shunske SATO permit to better understand this mysterious work from J. S. BACH.. I join on your thanks to Netherla. BACH. Society.
Second, and third, and umpteenth to that ❤
impossible to do without; a joy every time to hear it again
Bach would have been SO PROUD of this magnificent recording...
Proud and moved...
Correct! This is so beautiful ❤
He is... ❤
@@mariacelinachavarriagonzal157 ... moved, honoured and befuddled because 1080 is highly didactic music theory stuff which he never intended to be performed by an ensemble in front of an audience. 😅
@@jaikee9477 Moved, honoured and delighted, I'd say.
Initial response to hearing just first six fugues: This is beautiful, touching and thought-provoking, and very much emphasizes the expressive potential of this work without sacrificing the essential clarity. As a musicologist, I am convinced that Bach wrote this is as keyboard work; but as a listener, I usually prefer to hear ensemble performances, regardless of whether that reflects Bach's intention or not. I've heard and enjoyed many different arrangements, but I believe this is the first time I've heard voices introduced into the work. In the companion video, Sato says this vocal element makes the music more vulnerable, which I feel is true of the first fugue; but in the Stylo Francese fugue it actually creates a very different effect -- majestic, dramatic, almost terrifying. Either way, it enhances the humanity of the work. I look forward to hearing the rest soon.
The Swingle Singers recorded Coutrapunctus 9 in 1963..in very much the same style like they did it here...The use of voices reminds me nothing but them. Not Sato's original idea.
soon, wir stehen mit jeweils einem Bein im Grabe.
@@ttwiligh7 😉Shunske Sato referenced the Swingle Singers in his information on the BWV 1080 production on their website. He wrote "The sung Contrapunctus 9 is intended as a tribute to their great recording." The link is provided at the top of the comments. I love that I now have the opportunity to see and hear more performers of the Netherlands Bach Society including the singers as intended by Shunske Sato. As usual the audio, video and lightning are outstanding. Shout out to the staging and the location, the Grote Kerk in Veere (provincie Zeeland).
@@micheltibon6552 I know. They mentioned the Swingle Singers only after I suggested they should have done so. You can read the whole argument on the other posting of mine. Glad they took it seriously.
There is a fantastic voices only recording here on YT.
lost of words! A whole new world in listening to this masterpiece is unfolding. Thank you so much NBS.
NBS is is one of the finest musicians in the world. I was so sad and felt guilty that I couldn't attend Sato's performance in Sydney.
I do listen to them almost every night before I get to sleep.
Emil/ Sydney Australia 🇦🇺 ♥️
I hear this music also at the late evening before going to sleep. For example this evening, 2023/10/06. Really impressing! it impressed both, my head and my soul likewisely.
Netherlands Bach is simply the most amazing ensemble in the world for Bach. There are so many groups that perform this great music, but Netherlands, somehow, finds a way to out-do themselves. The Art of the Fugue is one of my favorite works and a towering achievement of Bach. To perform this epic piece in the way presented here is beyond astonishing, especially the vocal elements. Exquisitely filmed, both audio and video. Bravi to all involved.
Agreed -- and the videography is so well done, unpretentious but precise, fluid with the music. I wonder if this Bach group doesn't represent a small oasis of sanity and civilization in the midst of a world gone largely, and willfuly, insane.
ㅡㄸ
@@jonrutherford6852 ㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡ
@@jonrutherford6852 ㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡ드ㅡㅡㅡ드ㅡㅡㅡㅡ드ㅡㅡㅡ트ㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡㅡ드드ㅡㅡ드ㅡ트ㅡ드드ㅡㅡㅡㅡ3
????????/
What a very "restricitve" comment ! So many more as talented if not more ! Rondeau is such a great example ! th-cam.com/video/XcsfDxojdV8/w-d-xo.html
Herreweghe, Jacobs, Goebel, Christie, Harnoncourt, Corboz, Marriner, Taverner, Pinnock, Parrott, Niquet, Hantai.......Even Ristenpart's version of the Art of the fugue is sublime !
Whoever said the Art of the Fugue was dry paper music is missing a soul. I can't stop the tears.
Because of you it is now wet paper!
@@frenchimp lol
The Greatest Musical Work of All Times.
who said that
@@isabelatanashian7350 you want names? Believe me it's been said.Dry Academia.
Not even a minute has passed and I'm already tearing up. Bach is surreal.
WHO IS JSB?
@@ettoregelli6834 Bach's compositional techniques and musical language have influenced countless composers across different periods and styles. His mastery of counterpoint, harmonic progression, and formal structures has been studied and emulated by generations of musicians.
After having heard hundreds of versions of this work, and having played this music myself even in concerts, this audacious and pertinent interpretation has managed to motivate me to fully rediscover it. Congratulations to Sato and all those who participated in this new version of one of the greatest musical creations in history.
J’imagine Mr J.S Bach un peu à l’écart, assis, écoutant le travail de la Netherlands Bach sous la direction de Sato, sur sa Fugue… surpris, peut-être choqué, ce qui n’est pas sûr, mais très vite amusé, séduit, car toute sa vivacité, son art est là ! Bravo et Merci à vous tous! Que c’est beau!
Quand une exécution d'une œuvre musicale me plait il est toujours intéressant de lire les commentaires que TH-cam accepte. Je me prends la peine de les lires toutes pour autant qu'ils n'aille pas dans le mille. Certains vont dans le mille. Le vôtre contient la questions très intéressante: " Qu' eut pensé l'auteur de l'œuvre , de l'arrangement de sa composition. Arrangement ??? Vous l'appelé TRAVAIL. Cela me semble en effet bien plus correcte. Ce qui m' a choqué dans un premier abord en vous lisant était précisément le mot "choqué". Afin vous poursuivez: "pas sûr, mais très vite amusé, séduit..." Très vite vous me consolé car je vois que l'exécution magistrale des interprètes de la NBS du TRAVAIL vous a plus et vous les remercié tous. Bravo. Je me joins à vous. Ma conviction: Jean Sebastian eut été enchanté du TRAVAIL. Moi je l'été --- --- --- je l' écoute pour la troisième fois tout en compagnie de la pleine lune. Cette exhibition fera date. une merveille. Pas une œuvre purement intellectuelle comme certain " musicologues " voudrait taxé " L' ART DE LA FUGA " que ce titre soit de J.S. BAQH, pire un Salomon JADASSON : " ,,,Das ganze Werk für eine praktische Ausführung nicht gedacht
Merci pour votre contribution. … Il faut savoir lire l’humour… et le billet entier avant de sursauter !!! … j’ai écrit « peut-être choqué, ce qui n’est pas sûr, mais très vite amusé, séduit » C’était une fiction et une critique indirecte des puristes, un hommage à ce si beau travail, que vous admirez… mais essayez d’imaginer JS. Bach, assis derrière… amusant, non ? Bien sûr Bach n’est pas là !
I'm sure Bach would be very happy with this interpretation ☺️
I imagine Mr J.S Bach, sitting a little apart in the shade, listening to this new version of his Fugue… surprised perhaps? But how quickly amused, enthusiastic to hear these great, great… grandchildren, the generous work of the Netherlands Bach under the direction of Mr Sato!
I've lived with this piece for most of my life. The awful moment when the music stops has always been highly emotional for me because, like so many, the 4th theme feels so close. And today, I heard in sound what my heart and mind has been pondering for so long- and it is so glorious.
But beyond that- the sense from the beginning, that the open score opened into the rich variety of sounds you all created was even more transcendent. The music seems released in a way no simple ensemble could accomplish.
I thank you for this wonderful gift.
How thankful we should all be for Netherlands Bach Society. Another stellar performance.
Was für eine wunderschöne Überraschung, das schon immer geliebte Werk so neu und farbig zu hören und zu sehen! Vielen vielen Dank an die großartigen Musiker.
Bach himself must have played this in a stunning way on the harpsichord, and some rare musicians followed in his footsteps during our present lifetime. It is so natural and compelling to have many more musicians join in to this true miracle of creation. You did it. Right here we are sharing your love for each instrument and each way of intonation and tuning in. I am deeply moved by this rendition. Thank you NBS and Mr Sato.
I actually went to live concert of this! It was breathtaking, thank you so much NBS!❤️
lucky you!
@ Bobasdf123🖐️
mon voisin suivant te le dira en Anglais, et moi, j'ai pensé en Français=
"" mais quelle chance, moi je voudrais m'installer bcp de jours à la suite, pour faire une cure et pouvoir élever mon âme aux PaysBas, entre les mains de Bach et de ces formidables PASSEURS DE LUMIERES ‼️🌈💝""
cela ne se fera que dans mon imaginaire, mais le SON entendu est déjà si parfait que je m'en étonne à chaque oeuvre PARFAITEMENT enregistrée.!🌈
MERCI à tous de trouver toujours d'autres louanges pour célébrer notre amour commun, quel lien indescriptible‼️🌷🙏
This is a daring and absolutely stunning achievement. The completion of the final fugue by Kees van Houten and Leo van Doeselaar is *very* convincing. Words fail . . .
Yes, and it shows what a marvelous fugue it is. It is at the top of Bach's art!
Yes! Finally, it is here! This is Bach's one of his greatest work and puzzle combined. Many thanks
Contrapunctus 6 is where this project become an absolute marvel for me. Just so many perfect instrumental choices, this is truly an era-defining recording. Thank you to the NBS.
Absolut großartige Interpretation. Ein Werk, das selbst eingefleischte Bachianer nicht so recht an sich heranlässt, wird plötzlich hörbar. Allein schon die Idee, den Eingangs-Contrapunctus a capella singen zu lassen, ist ein Hinhörer. Danke für diese Einspielung.
The Art of Bach. He did the impossible, creating works of extremely high value. Without it, we would surely not be the same, and this is highlighted in the 1080 registered works. AN AUTHENTIC GENIUS OF MUSIC AND THE ART OF THIS.
Votre prestation est remarquable et exceptionnelle de beauté ! De plus, c’est tellement bien filmé pour visualiser chaque musicien et ou chanteur avec son propre instrument. Je suis absolument sous le charme ! Je vous suis depuis ces quelques années où je vous ai découvert,…et pour moi vous êtes certainement le tout meilleur ensemble mondial pour interpréter les oeuvres de J.S.BACH et autres Bach. Bravissimo ! Compliments à chacune & chacun. C’est toujours un réel enchantement de vous écouter, de vous voir, de vous retrouver. IMMENSE M E R C I à tout le staff de Netherlands Bach Society
M
vraiment
Your interpretation of this immortal masterpiece leaves me speechless... It is as if the universe was talking to itself in so many voices... indescribably beautiful.
Werkelijk ongelooflijk gedurfd, maar wat een prachtige uitvoering. Nog nooit vertoond. Hartelijk dank NBV en Shunske Sato!
Magnifique reprise vocale et instrumentale de l'Art de la fugue ! La voix, le plus beau des instruments, alterne avec les séquences jouées par les cordes et les vents. ...Bravo Netherlands Bach Society!
I came, I saw, I listened. Astonishing, haunting! Well done to Shunske Sato and all the Netherlands Bach Society!
Wow! I was not expecting much but the vocal Contrapunctus 1 just blew me away. The different instrumentations used throughout make this a gem. A recording I know I will come back to listen over and over again. Well done, NBS! Bravo!
The Greatest Musical Work of All Times.
Un merveilleux coup de génie, une interprétation fabuleuse d'excellence , un renouvellement total grâce aux voix, Merci à Tous qui servez Bach sur votre Vie entière !💖💫
I simply cannot decide who i adore more. Bach or NBS for bringing Bach to the masses in such spectacular and virtuosic manner. BRAVO!
I'd like every instrument would be identified when camera focus on it. Some are really uncommon.
This performance is absolutely incredible in its beauty. Kudos for the whole ensemble. And thanks to the NBS for sharing their exceptional recordings for free.
I feel I have wasted so much of my sixty years, only recently discovering the beauty of Bach. The love, care, expertise, knowledge and passion that has gone in to this arrangement and performance is beyond what I can express - audio and video too - stunning work
Sixty is an ideal age to start discovering Bach (I'm 60 and started earlier, but that doesn't matter)
@@TonBil1 Agree, became sixty myself last month and discovered NBS during the lock down period and WFH.
I started go to Bach orgel concerts when I was 16, but somewhere
I lost track. Now I’m 74 and NBS sucked me in again. What a gift!❤
@@henkkelderman4182 Must admit the quality of the NBS productions are superhigh. The audio, lights, the video, the players, I am also impressed by the choice of the locations of my beloved Netherlands i.e. Amsterdam. I also like the quality of the comments all these videos attract. I can learn a lot of them. Groeten uit Luxembourg.
@@micheltibon6552 So true.
In my life I've listened to dozens of KDFs. This rendition is by far the most compelling, exciting, glorious I'm aware of. The whole thing leaved me completely speechless. I do hope that sooner or later you'll release an audio only version (CD, digital download tracks, whatever) to be able to appreciate even more your wonderful work. A big thank you to all the musicians and the technicians involved in this labour of love.
How lovely to spend a dark and cool September evening while these beautiful musicians (who I see as my old friends) spend their own September evening exploring the Art of Fugue. I am so grateful to have grown from a young age to love the music of Bach, and I am ever so grateful to hear his music interpreted by such a wonderful collaboration.
Wow! I wasn't aware that anyone had attempted to complete the final Fugue, but I'm grateful that van Houten and van Doeselaar have done so here. While we will never know Bach's true intention in this final Fugue, this reconstruction is quite excellent, and certainly worthwhile. Thank you, Netherlands Bach Society, for sharing this astounding music with the world through your channel!
Большое спасибо! Уникальнейшая запись! Все участники большие молодцы! Ждал, что последняя фуга оборвётся на полуслове, но не тут-то было! Это прекрасно!
The choice of timbres really does fit each movement very well! I've always had a bit of trouble listening to more than a few sections of this massive piece at once, but this recording is absolutely captivating!
They made it more captivating artificially introducing timbre variations, which is fine but alters significantly the general conception of the work (the Art of Fugue is not the Musical Offering or the Mass in B minor and Bach wanted that way). I also do not understand certain other manipulations, like inserting those chorales or even reverting rectus and inversus. The performance is good, but it is not what Bach wrote (even setting the well-known ordering problems aside) and I think it is essential to listen to a keyboard rendition, scrupolously respecting what little we know about the score. I do not want to be a purist at all costs, but this is a very difficult work and there are more easy-listening Bach pieces if one has problems with it. I feel that altering it diminishes it too, in some way. I hope that this 'vulgar' version (in linguistic terms, without any dispregiative implications) might near the listener to other interpretations where the original intentions of the composer are as fully respected as possible.
This is something completely amazing that I was waiting for so long! It makes it so much better we get this in one full recording. Thank you so much NBS for recording this in such and extraordinary way. Amazing. Once again, thank you so much and God bless you all ❤️
Eine großartige Interpretation der "Kunst der Fuge"! Ich denke, Bach hat der Nachwelt jede Freiheit gelassen, seine Musik zu interpretieren, wie es auch immer passend ist. Im Contrapunctus 1 war ich an die Swingle Singers aus den 60er bis 70er Jahren erinnert, die mich seinerzeit schon gewaltig beeindruckten. Immer wieder fantastische Qualität, die die NBS mit größtmöglicher Werknähe darstellen. Herzlichen Dank!
The best performance of bwv 1080 I ever listen. 很完美. 我是Bach的忠实粉丝. Bach可能对很多年轻人有些难理解. 因为Bach的作品都是写给神的.NBS真的很棒，加油.
Bach 在與那至高的存在對話，我們有幸能聆聽
This is a work of such profundity, depth, and mysticism as to be quite beyond the average listener and challenging even for the most dedicated. It is Bach at his most impenetrable. The arrangement is bold and ambitious and succeeds on many levels and I was utterly captivated by it. The dedication of this society to Bach's art is truly invaluable and we are all blessed to have it.
One voice stands on itself alone and will never be heard. But what happens if one voice is picked up by another voice which responds it..? A big BRAVO for all who made this unique event happen. This performance with its never heard and surprising combinations of different voices, that all worked wonderfully well, is a great tribute to the composer of all composers and a big demonstration of the fact that (Bach's) music is universal, timeless and endless, also endless in the various possibillities to be played and to play with.. The last fugue expresses this all the best: we are all in this together. Thank you so much!
Marvellous work of Shunske Sato and Netherlands Bach Society.
For me, the best arrangement ever of The Art of Fugue.
Congratulations and thanks from Argentina.
Ok, this is my new favorite version of Bach's Art of the Fugue. Bravo!
I've never heard the viola being extensively used, apart from Brandenburg 6. Also with seeing another soloist apart from Yamagata/Sato. It really sets this piece apart from the other NBS works and films.
However, it is a shame that all the artists involved aren't listed in the description. I wish NBS would add that, even though Sato is the artistic director/conductor, to at least give recognition to the amazing work that *everyone* in the ensemble gave for this one-of-a-kind performance.
@@randomoneforstuff3696 The website containing further information and description of the music lists the credits of not only the musicians, but the film crew and others involved too.
Heartening to discover that such greatness still exists today. Shades of the Swingles.
Everytime i listen Bach i am amazed how great master he was.
The Art of Fugue is so transcendental, and I'm so attached to it, that it brings me to tears of joy and awe. It helped me through the worst of my graduate studies, when I listened to it every day, multiple times a day. I've been exploring different recordings of it ever since. I have also come to know the NBS after it became the most recommended channel for Bach's music for me on TH-cam and subscribing to them. What a wonderful surprise a week ago when I saw this recording pop up. This production and arrangement are stellar! It's quite a reference recording for this work and I hope you release it in its full uncompressed glory someday (any plans for selling a CD or digital release of this work?). I was so touched that I ended up looking up your website and reading all about your group and the work you do. If I ever have the chance, you can bet I'll be at one your concerts. Also... after 12 years of lurking on TH-cam, I think this is my first comment ever over here (that should say something about how touched I am by this recording. I think I've been listening to it on average every ~1.2 days so far).
Thank you for writing your first comment ever and great to read that you love our recording of the Art of Fugue! At this moment, we have no plans to publish our recordings on CD/DVD, since the aim of the All of Bach project is to make video recordings and spread them via our website allofbach.com and TH-cam. We believe that online streaming is a very effective way to spread our recordings to a worldwide audience. Also, video adds an extra experience: as if you were present at the concert. That information will be lost if you separate the audio from the video. We hope you will continue to enjoy our recordings and you are most welcome to attend one of our live concerts someday!
@@bach I shall happily continue to enjoy this incredible recording over here. I agree about how the video is an important part of the experience, and again, this whole production is exceptional, including the video production. Being able to watch it also brings you so much closer to the NBS (whatever that psychological effect is of seeing other human beings perform an activity you connect with). In fact, it got me inspired enough that I finally sat down to seriously practice one of the canons on the piano. I'm just weary of TH-cam as a medium for archiving a treasure like this one, but I'm sure you will transfer it if it were ever necessary and hold on to the original assets for immortalizing this work for a long time. Again, thank you for this incredible gift to humanity. I'll add NBS to my list of donation targets and send a donation when I can. Keep up the good work!
Timber:. DIE KUNST DER FUGE IS a trascendental mistery. BIG BANG IS HIS BROTHER MISTERY. And THIRD BUT FIRST IS GOD
WOW! Thank you all SO much for finally releasing this! I admire all your hard work very much, especially Mr. Sato and his lovely direction. This was a beautiful performance, using a wonderful variation of instruments...I expect Bach would be more than pleased with all of you!
Beautiful composition from Johann, this is my first time listening to it, Bach never stops amazing me, the more I listen to his compositions, the more I understand why my dad named me after him. I wonder how good does it feel to play on these recording, I know I would love to play surrounded by all these wonderful musicians, at such a beautiful scenario.
The concept, the selection, the instrumentation, the interpretation, the arrangements: all of a high quality class. God bless the Netherlands Bach Society!!!
Insanely beautiful interpretation of one of humanity's greatest achievements! Tears pouring on my cheeks! I've listened to so many excellent interpretations of this monumental work, but this one is the most astonishing and emotional I've ever experienced! Deeply grateful to the Bach Netherlands Society and its exquisite musicians!
Human achievement? ARE WE SURE
This is a stunningly well executed piece by the members of the Netherlands Bach Society. Thoroughly professional, full of colour, excitement and light! Very well done to you all.
Absolutely divine, beautiful, incredible, extraordinary, amazing, unbelievable! Many hugs to all of you! Extraordinary artists, musicians, and human beings.
I was about twenty-year old when, after my first encounter with classical music with Beethoven’s symphonies, I fell in love with Bach and began to buy LPs with cantatas, B minor mass, Brandenburg concertos, orchestral suites. As a beginner, coming to “theoretical” music, I found too difficult to listen to the Art of Fugue played on harpsicord, and so my first meeting with this masterpiece was the fantastic Neville Marriner’s version for orchestra. This stayed for 40 years in my mind the as "one and only" Art of Fugue, even if I was later able to tackle with harpsicord interpretation (if I’m not wrong Gustav Leonhard’ one). So, I was a little suspicious when reading that Maestro Sato in his version decided to use non-conventional instruments and human voices. Well, I have to say now that this interpretation is really good, confirming that NBS is the top Bach’s orchestra. It will take several listenings to replace in my heart my “reference recording” by the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, specially because some tempo choices by NBS are very different, but I’m fairly sure it will happen! Congratulations and thanks to the Netherlands Bach Society for their marvelous work.
Incredibile! I was listening to couintless interpretations of these pieces. But never waas I touched intellectually as well as emotionally in a way and intensity as hearing these performances. Wonderfull, touching and just perfect. THX. By publishing - freely! - this music you made a precious gift to everyone.
Once again, NBS smashes it out of the park. Thank you for all the music and performances that you provide us with. Hopefully one day, I will fly over to the Netherlands again so that I can see you perform.
This compelling, marvellous. It is at once engaging but mysterious. What an arrangement! What a performance!
This is the most amazing performance of the Art of the Fugue I've ever heard. There is something about the human voice which resonates in the listener unlike the instruments. Even though they only sang vowels sounds I was blown away tearful. It was like listening to Chaconne but for hours.
I think this piece is the reason why Bach is the GOAT. Structure and complexity at its best. Like never ending river flows without getting boring. So your performance. Just Brilliant 👌
Bach is the king of "barouque" - no ... he´s the king of music!
L' ANGELO DI LUCE, SCRIVE F.K., È IL CUSTODE DELLA PORTA DELLA LEGGE E ASPETTA CHE K. CAPISCA MA,SCRIVE F.K., K. NON È IN GRADO DI COMPRENDERE IL CONTENUTO DELLA LEGGE E ALLORA L'ANGELO DI LUCE CHIUDE LA PORTA. K. NON POTRÀ ENTRARE E L'ANGELO SI ACCOMIATA DICENDOGLI: "QUESTA PORTA ERA STATA APERTA PER TE". L'UNICO ESSERE CHE È PASSATO OLTRE LA PORTA DELLA LEGGE SI CHIAMA JSB. L'ANGELO DI LUCE INSOSTENIBILE LO ACCOGLIE E TIENE APERTA LA PORTA DELLA LEGGE PER LUI...
Hat's Off! This is glorious and so well-played and presented. I am going to be coming back to this for a long time. Thank you.
Once I was at a live performance of Die Kunst of Fuge of a small ensemble with four members. It went very well, I was drowned in Bach's unique esthetic atmosphere but suddenly they stopped, one of the members went a little bit wrong it disturbed the other members: the devil in the details. They quiet solved it and went further.
Die Kunst der Fuge is extra complex and thus vulnerable to play, it needs an extraordinary concentration because every player has to stick to his or her own part, it's so difficult to hold on.
This registration is a miracle in every level. What a collective achievement!
It is probably the most wonderful version of this work that has that mystical and abstract resonance that we need to feel again and again. Thank you for this offering that seems like the closure of something, the end that does not conclude and opens. Here is everything one has ever dreamed of hearing. And I prefer to say it, it is the most wonderful recreation, without a doubt it is... 🙏🏻
Sono anni che ascolto tutta l’opera del sommo maestro, ma l’Arte della Fuga è così straordinariamente affascinante, misteriosa ed ogni volta ascoltare è una nuova emozione, eseguita per organo, clavicembalo o come in questo magnifico video. Bach è stato ispirato dal divino per scrivere questa opera. Grazie per tutto il vostro lavoro di eseguire la musica del più grande musicista.❤
4h30 am in the morning : listening that stunning delivery of Bach to the World ! How to say thank you for that free online access to the Mentor's music : unbelievable !
My life is too short to comprehend this masterpiece
I think that was Bach's intention. To give you a 'why' to continue living, even if its just solely to marvel at this work of unparalleled beauty and genius. To me, no-one has ever attempted the 'why', not even Bach before this, but in this one work he explains it in crystal clarity, I don't know how, but mystery is everything to the Art of Fugue...
Music is enough for a lifetime; but a lifetime is not enough for music.
Ordinary daily Life was slow back then. Very slow.
@@Claude1Rochon Ah, I see...I agree with you.
@@MitchBoucherComposer they had AMPLE time to exercise their respective talents. we still do. but a world of distractions begot us in the 20th. Now in the 21st ... we are fighting a BraveNewWorld monster. Era Karma. way different music
So, I've listened through about four times. And each time, it's still so vibrant and fresh. The intensity of the performers creates a visceral reaction in me as alistener/observer. I'm particularly taken with how we pass through a kind of "day" with the lighting leading to the dusk of the final contrapunctus. Even though I know by now what is coming- i'm still unprepared.
This is transcendent in a word defining way.
This is an incomparable offering and extraordinary achievement of scholarship, musicianship, and vision. While I've heard KdF's all my life, and surely worked through it on the organ, this does take the prize for the most compelling and memorable rendition I've experienced, from the beauty and clarity of the vocal Contrapunctus I to the masterfully and tastefully completed final fugue. The _Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sein_ verses added a further unique touch deeply meaningful to anyone familiar with the tradition and reception of this masterpiece. How many _brave_ can I muster!? Thank you, NBS and Shunske Sato in particular, but all glory to Bach, who brought us all here.
All glory to God - Soli Deo Gloria! Bach's motto
@@michaelcox6389 You may choose to glorify God, as Bach did. When I compare the work of Bach to the work of other mortal men and women, musicians or not, I choose to glorify him.
@@BernardGreenberg Would Bach have appreciated being glorified, I wonder?
@@michaelcox6389 Super question. While my first thought is, "Never, he would point to God as the source of whatever gifts he had." Yet, he did not refrain from honor (e.g., the Mizler society and the portrait that goes with it). The existence of encyclopedic works, like the Art of Fugue in particular, indicate (to me, at least) that he was aware that he had very special talents and knowledge and a responsibility to share them with posterity. In this very last, unfinished fugue, he was not too humble as to not sign it with his own name in notes. He demanded quality in his performers and resources, etc.... he knew he was worth the best. And there are at least legends of his contests with other renown organists/composers (e.g., Marchand). So he was not "humble to a fault before God", but knew quite well how special he was (although, surely, he'd attribute that to God). How to balance humility and fair appreciation of world-class-genius fits somewhere into the question you ask. "Glorified", like people bowing down to him? No. "Glorified" by being the top musician in a major Saxon city and having 3-hour passions performed? Is that "glorified" or "just doing his job"? Who is to say?
@@michaelcox6389 Consider, too, the Taj Mahal, erected by the grieving Shah Jahan in memory of his departed wife, Mumtaz. It is actually a mosque, with inscriptions from the Qur'an all over it. It is to the glory of Allah, in the Muslim vision, and to Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz. Yet, when we see it, or even venture to Agra to behold it ourselves (as did I), people of every faith and persuasion, or none, we credit the architect(s), who, indeed were assembled by Shah Jahan, and who had studied every sort of architecture known in the world at that time. When we credit, or even venerate, artists deeply informed or inspired by a tradition, faith, and/or personal story, the proper assignment of credit or even glory is complex, and in some sense is the fabric of the human artistic narrative.
Admiration for all of these musicians who honed their skills well enough to play JS Bach.
Fabuleux, merci pour cette merveilleuse surprise, à é couter encore et encore...Un enchantement !
Sencillamente, un verdadero deleite para los sentidos. Una verdadera sorpresa que no hace más que confirmar que J. S. Bach fue y será único en esta forma de interpretar la música. Soy un admirador de Bach desde muy joven, y agradezco a Dios por poder escuchar su inspiración traducida en 7 notas que, combinadas sabía y mágicamente, nos transportan hacia el mismo cielo, dónde muy pronto podremos alabar con estos instrumentos y con nuestra propia voz a Dios que se deleita en todo lo bello.
Un detalle para resaltar es la excelente puesta en escena, una verdadera obra de arte, y el lugar elegido para este concierto también merece ser destacado. Hermoso lugar. Sinceras felicitaciones a todos los que lo hicieron posible. Saludos desde Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina.
The most beautiful reconstruction of the last fugue. Congrats to Sato and all!
Sato is entirely correct, choosing the right instrumentation to bring out the voices in the best manner possible is of paramount importance for these pieces, and he's definitely succeeded. _Contrapunctus 8_ in particular is rendered fantastically.
Holy cow. This is breath taking! Beautifully recorded too.
Extraordinarily sensitive and appropriate approach to each of the fugues and canons. This is outstanding. Very clever selection of timbres and instrumentation employed to permit each fugal entry to be clearly heard. And a demonstration, if one were still to be needed, that at that period cornetti corni da caccia, and sackbuts did not overwhelm solo instruments of the viol and violin families. The completion of the last fugue is certainly the most satisfactory I've heard. A splendid achievement all round!
This interpretation is particularly revealing of the overall structure of the composition. It starts from a sorrow tone like a sinner's prayer and gradually turns into salvation, excitement and full praise. No other versions I come across have achieved this.
This is so amazing! Excellent finish of the XIV as well and with the main theme included it is now 4 soggetti (pretty obviously as intended). Kudos to the sound engineers, cameras and lighting, everything so well done!
Beautiful arrangement! I enjoyed how each individual ensemble gave the various instruments a chance to be heard on a more personal level, both individually and in combination with other instruments.
Amazing. As a complete musical layman I remember the day when riding a bus I had a flash of intellect and I caught the idea of KfD while listening to Musica Antiqua Köln rendition. Today, NBS gave me yet another perspective of this masterpiece. Thank you.
what’s KfD and why is it out like so?
@@gracie99999 Sorry, KdF (Kunst der Fuge ) of course.
Incredible that they used cornetto in this! (Zink in German) I play this instrument and know that Back specified it in a number of his cantatas as a doubline instrument, but was very happy to run into its unique sound here. Congratulations on this outstanding interpretation of one of the greatest musical works in history!
I watched this performance last year in Amsterdam, it was a memorable evening
This performance is utterly amazing! The uncommon, but quite fitting, instrumentation makes this performance exceptionally more interesting than those of just piano or string quartet, and the different voices are brought out nicely. While absolutes should be used sparingly, I truly think this is the _best_ performance ever recorded of the Art of the Fugue. Many thanks NBS! 😌
Maravilha de composição que só podia sair da genialidade criadora musical de Bach.
Execução magistral. Correção técnica e domínio pleno da complexa trama instrumental.
Parabéns aos músicos que enfrentaram a diversidade dos conjuntos com competência.
As vozes deram uma qualificação sonora muito especial ao conjunto dessa obra única na história da música ocidental.
Quality is what we're missing in our life quite often.
Here's everything - recording, instruments, musicians, ensemble - just priceless.
The Art of Fugue is one of the greatest musical achievements that this composer had to offer to the God which gave him life! Bach’s music is God and this arrangement (thank you NBS!) makes this piece no less than perfection! Thank you, thank you, and my sincerest thank you!!!
Brings tears to my eyes, so beautiful! Glory to God
@@AnnieKopfGlory indeed to God who breathed life into the greatest composer of all time, Bach!
Etonnante extension des interprétations baroques possibles de l'Art de la Fugue de BACH qui me satisfait énormément . Bravo !
Молодцы ! Замечательно получилось ! Спасибо за публикацию . (Несколько раз хотелось потанцевать !)С. Волков
The shot during the transition from Contrapunctus 2 to 3 is so great! I love this!
The beauty of the music and these performances of it goes without saying - when combined with the superb filmmaking the whole production is a piece of beauty and theatre that I will treasure for the rest of my days - the stunning finale, with daylight gone, leaves me with a sense of a great journey over and reaching landfall - incredibly beautiful - thank you
La mejor versión que escucho . Gracias eternas Netherlandas Bach Society!
fantastic unique approach, love seeing this level of effort and creativity from the classical world. It's just what we need!
This is "absolute music," it transcends all possible limits, and even imagination itself.
informs or uses the imaginative
WOW 💫 Thank you so much!!!
Congratulation for lot of unbelievable moments!!!
The interpretation is just unimaginable! I shared the link with my friends. I love this channel!
By far, my favorite Bach piece, heard it for the first time a few days ago and absolutely love how they perform it!
Wonderful arrangement and performance! Великолепные аранжировка и исполнение! Ottimo arrangiamento ed esecuzione!
Thank you for the imaginative and moving arrangement and beautiful performance of this encyclopedic masterpiece.
I never thought that "Die Kunst der Fuge", which has a heavy taste like oxidized silver, could produce such a wonderfully modern and refreshing sound. In addition, I think that Shunsuke Sato drew out from this work the Basso Continuo-like philosophy that flows through the Matthew Passion as well as the Mass in B minor, which is the essence of Bach. Great!👍