Colors of Bach Eldbjørg Hemsing, Norwegian String Quintet & Tim Allhoff

• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750): Bach Partita Variation (After Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 100:
• 1 Bach: Bach Partita Variation (After Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 100: I. Preludio) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Tim Allhoff] 02:18
• Ertönt uns durch dein Güte Variation (After Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe, BWV 22, No. 5:
• 2 Bach: Ertönt uns durch dein Güte Variation (After Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe, BWV 22, No. 5: Ertöt uns durch dein Güte) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel] 02:58
• Ave Maria Variation (After The Well-Tempered Clavier I: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846:
• 3 Bach: Ave Maria Variation (After The Well-Tempered Clavier I: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846: I. Prelude) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet and Piano by Tim Allhoff] 02:08
• Minuet in G Major Variation (After Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, BWV Anh.116, No. 7:
• 4 Bach: Minuet in G Major Variation (After Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, BWV Anh.116, No. 7: Menuet in G Major) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel] 02:12
• Concerto in A Minor Variation (After Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, BWV 1041:
• 5 Bach: Concerto in A Minor Variation (After Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, BWV 1041: II. Andante) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel] 02:30
• Melancholy Variation (After Concerto for Violin & Oboe in C Minor, BWV 1060R:
• 6 Bach: Melancholy Variation (After Concerto for Violin & Oboe in C Minor, BWV 1060R: III. Allegro) [Arr. for Violin, Accordion, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel] 03:11
• Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben Variation (After Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147:
• 7 Bach: Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben Variation (After Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: VI. Wohl mir, daß ich Jesum habe) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel] 02:42
• Air Variation (After Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068:
• 8 Bach: Air Variation (After Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068: II. Air) [Arr. for Violin & String Quintet by Tim Allhoff] 02:37
• Bach Brandenburg Concerto Revisited (After Brandenburg Concerto No.1 in F Major, BWV 1046:
• 9 Bach: Bach Brandenburg Concerto Revisited (After Brandenburg Concerto No.1 in F Major, BWV 1046: I. Allegro) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jarkko Riihimäki] 02:11
• Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier, BWV 469 (Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel):
• 10 Bach: Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier, BWV 469 (Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jan-Peter Klöpfel) 02:30
• Aria Goldberg Variation - After Goldberg Variations, BVW 988:
• 11 Bach: Aria Goldberg Variation - After Goldberg Variations, BVW 988: Aria [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Tim Allhoff] 01:48
• Prelude in C Major Variation (After Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 553:
• 12 Bach: Prelude in C Major Variation (After Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 553: I. Prelude) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Tim Allhoff] 01:57
• Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit Variation (After Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein, BWV 734) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jarkko Riihimäki]:
• 13 Bach: Es ist gewisslich an der Zeit Variation (After Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein, BWV 734) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Jarkko Riihimäki] 01:27
• Invention in F Major Variation (After Invention in F Major, BWV 779) [Arr. for Violin & String Quintet by Jan-Peter Klöpfel]:
• 14 Bach: Invention in F Major Variation (After Invention in F Major, BWV 779) [Arr. for Violin & String Quintet by Jan-Peter Klöpfel] 01:57
• Organ Sonata Variation (After Organ Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528:
• 15 Bach: Organ Sonata Variation (After Organ Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, BWV 528: II. Andante) [Arr. for Violin & String Quintet by Tim Allhoff] 02:42
• Befiehl du deine Wege Variation (After Matthäuspassion, BWV 244, No. 53:
• 16 Bach: Befiehl du deine Wege Variation (After Matthäuspassion, BWV 244, No. 53: Befiehl du deine Wege) [Arr. for Violin & String Quintet by Tim Allhoff] 01:33
• Erbarme dich, mein Gott Variation (After Matthäuspassion, BWV 244, No. 47:
• 17 Bach: Erbarme dich, mein Gott Variation (After Matthäuspassion, BWV 244, No. 47: Erbarme dich, mein Gott) [Arr. for Violin, String Quintet & Piano by Tim Allhoff] 02:08
• Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ Variation (After Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639) [Arr. for Violin, Cello & Piano by Tim Allhoff]:
• 18 Bach: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ Variation (After Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639) [Arr. for Violin, Cello & Piano by Tim Allhoff] 02:39
• Concerto in D Minor Variation (After Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974:
• 19 Bach: Concerto in D Minor Variation (After Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: III. Presto) [Arr. for Violin & String Quintet by Jan-Peter Klöpfel] 02:06
• Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1042:
• 20 Bach: Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1042: I. Allegro 06:46
• 21 Bach: Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1042: II. Adagio 05:54
• 22 Bach: Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1042: III. Allegro assai 02:25
• Choral Aria Variation - After Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV 54:
• 23 Bach: Choral Aria Variation - After Widerstehe doch der Sünde, BWV 54: I. Aria [Arr. for Violin & String Quintet by Tim Allhoff] 03:37
• Total Runtime 01:02:16

Info for Colors of Bach

Subtle and elegant new arrangements of Bach’s legendary melodies.

The project aims to harness the essence of some of Bach's most famous melodies in new instrumental colors. A group of renowned arrangers (Tim Allhoff, Jan-Peter Klöpfel, Jarkko Riihimäki) have created new contemporary arrangements for solo violin, string quintet, piano, and harpsichord from 20 of Bach’s compositions spanning various genres - from chorales to organ works, piano pieces to solo violin sonatas. Some arrangements introduce new harmonic contexts, providing a fresh perspective, while others explore completely new instrumentations. For instance, the dense and melodic arrangement of the organ prelude in C major seamlessly transitions to a virtuoso solo violin and string orchestra rendition, creating a new and captivating musical experience. Additionally, well-known pieces like "Erbarme Dich" from the Matthäus Passion find new life as intimate instrumental ballades, showcasing the adaptability and timelessness of Bach's compositions. All these new musical colors are grouped around a new recording of the full Violin Concerto No. 2 in E Major (BWV 1042) as originally written by Bach providing the anchor point for a kaleidoscope of musical colors to shine.

On her new album COLORS OF BACH, violinist Eldbjörg Hemsing lets the expressive music of Johann Sebastian Bach resound in completely new arrangements and opens up contemporary perspectives on his work. Multi-layered, finely nuanced and with unbridled joy of playing, the album draws its inspiration from the structural sophistication and expressive beauty of twenty selected works. The renowned arrangers Tim Allhoff, Jan-Peter Klöpfel and Jarkko Riihimäki put well-known masterpieces in a new light through literally new “colours” that are introduced into Bach’s music – through sound, harmony and emotion. At the heart of the project is a common artistic philosophy: to expand, rethink and shape Bach’s music – without falsifying it. The arrangers draw their inspiration from the positive and universal power of his themes and harmonies, while retaining the inner confidence that makes Bach’s work so unique. From the playful brilliance of the Partita Variation to the deeply touching reinterpretation of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto – iconic melodies are given new vitality, open up emotional dimensions, but at the same time retain the greatest respect for the original masterpieces. The dense, melodic design of the Organ Prelude in C major transitions seamlessly into a virtuoso version for solo violin and string orchestra, creating a captivating listening experience. Air takes on the elegance of an Italian concerto, while the beloved Erbarme Dich from the St. Matthew Passion shines anew as an intimate instrumental ballad.

Together, these creative arrangements show the versatility and timelessness of Bach’s music – and unfold an impressive kaleidoscope of musical colours. “Bach is such a brilliant composer,” reflects Eldbjörg Hemsing, “that there are endless possibilities to look at his forms and structures. Every melody he wrote combines technical precision and deep feeling in a fascinating way – and that’s exactly where the inexhaustible variety of his music lies.”

Eldbjörg Hemsing, violin
Elise Batnes, 1st violin
Liv Hilde Klokk, 2nd violin
Maria Angelika Carlsen, 2nd violin
Ida Bryhn, viola
Louisa Tuck, cello
Tim Allhoff, piano
Kenneth Ryland, double bass
Christian Kjos, harpsichord

Eldbjørg Hemsing
A household name in her native Norway since childhood, violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing is celebrated worldwide for her sensitivity, lyricism and breathtaking virtuosity. Her fresh artistic voice transcends generations, inspiring new and emerging audiences. Eldbjørg’s recordings and performances are recognised for their depth, vision and originality, brought to life on one of the world’s finest instruments, her 1707 Rivaz Baron Gutmann Stradivarius.

As an exclusive Sony Classical artist, Eldbjørg´s catalogue spans landmark and iconic concertos with leading orchestras, alongside trailblazing commissions dedicated to sharing the beauty and identity of her beloved North with audiences around the world. Her albums include "Colors of Bach", "Grieg Violin Sonatas" to "Arctic" and recently "Hillborg: Violin Concerto No.2 / Liquid Marble" with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, her discography has earned multiple Norwegian Grammys and OPUS KLASSIK Awards.

Eldbjørg’s concert reach encompasses the world’s top stages, from Lincoln Center to Wigmore Hall, the Nobel Peace Prize Concert at Oslo Concert Hall to Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts. Highlights of the 2025/26 season include a European tour of Arctic, visiting venues including the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Further highlights include a forthcoming recording of Bruch’ Violin Concerto with the Oslo Philharmonic and performances of Sibelius Violin Concerto with the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre symphonique de Québec, and Hillborg’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Göteborgs Symfoniker. This season also features the Khachaturian Violin Concerto with the Turku Philharmonic and Tan Dun’s Fire Ritual with the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo and Staatsorchester Mainz. Eldbjørg performs widely in recital and chamber settings with close collaborators such as cellist Daniel Müller-Schott. Upcoming engagements include the highly anticipated return to the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and Munich’s Prinzregententheater with recital programme "Colors of Bach".

Eldbjørg is frequently featured in concert and film projects by today’s leading composers, including Alexandre Desplat, Tan Dun and Anders Hillborg. Her violin is the leading theme throughout the Abbey Road recorded soundtrack to Netflix’s "Frankenstein" (2025). She also appears as a featured soloist in the acclaimed Netflix series "Bridgerton".

Beyond the concert stage, Eldbjørg serves in a number of leadership roles. She is Artistic Director of the Oslo Chamber Music Festival, Co-Founder of the Hemsing Festival in her native Valdres mountain region, and head of the Dextra Musica Foundation’s selection jury, overseeing one of the world’s most-prized instrument collections, from which her Stradivarius is generously on loan.

Having represented Norway from an early age on official diplomatic missions and state visits, ranging from Crown-led visits to Asia and the United Nations. Eldbjørg is committed to public diplomacy and supporting the next generation at home and beyond. She is Artistic Director of SPIRE, an initiative for young artists, and serves on the advisory board of Barratt Due’s progressive artist training program, where she began studies at an early age before continuing in Vienna with Boris Kuschnir.

This album contains no booklet.