J.S. Bach: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080 Robert Costin

• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750): Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’):
• 1 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 1 03:11
• 2 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 2 02:49
• 3 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 3 03:01
• 4 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 4 03:56
• 5 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 5 03:27
• 6 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 6 05:00
• 7 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 7 04:08
• 8 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 8 06:14
• 9 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 9 03:02
• 10 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 10 05:14
• 11 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 11 07:52
• 12 Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (‘The Art of Fugue’): Contrapunctus 14 08:09
• Chorale prelude:
• 13 Bach: Chorale prelude: Vor deinen Thron tret ich hiermit 04:04
• Musikalisches Opfer (‘A Musical Offering’):
• 14 Bach: Musikalisches Opfer (‘A Musical Offering’): Ricercar à 6 08:03
• Total Runtime 01:08:10

Info for J.S. Bach: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080

J.S. Bach’s The Art of Fugue is considered his monumental final statement, a work renowned for its architectural complexity and spiritual depth. This recording presents the work on the celebrated Metzler organ of Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge, an instrument noted for its clarity. The performance approaches the score not as an abstract exercise but as a coherent dramatic journey, where registration is used to clarify the structure and character of each movement. The chosen arc builds towards the unfinished fugue, treating it as a purposeful fragment that invites reflection on the work’s inherent possibilities, offering a compelling interpretation of one of the repertoire’s most significant compositions.

"With its strict fundamentals and guidelines, The Art of Fugue is not intended for the average listener, but when presented as it is here, it certainly underpins the fact that the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach was one of the major pinnacles within the history of music." (Jean-Yves Duperron, classicalmusicsentinel.com)

Robert Costin, organ

Robert Costin
is an accomplished organist, harpsichordist, and teacher who has performed extensively across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Renowned for his versatility and passion for a broad range of musical styles, he has appeared at many of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Notre-Dame de Paris.

A highly regarded performer, Robert has collaborated with orchestras in works such as Saint-Saëns’s Organ Symphony and Guilmant’s Symphony No. 1. His appearances on BBC Radio and Radio New Zealand have been warmly received, and his recordings—particularly those of J. S. Bach—have earned international acclaim for their technical excellence and expressive depth.

Robert’s early musical training began as a chorister at Peterborough Cathedral under the guidance of Christopher Gower. He continued his studies at Oundle School, the Royal Academy of Music, and Pembroke College, Cambridge, and was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists at the age of nineteen. He studied with distinguished teachers including Nicholas Danby, David Sanger, and James Parsons, and benefited from masterclasses with renowned figures such as Gaston Litaize and Dame Gillian Weir. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2024 in recognition of his services to music.

In addition to his performing career, Robert is a dedicated teacher. He is a regular professor at the British Isles Music Festival and has held cathedral organist positions in both the UK and New Zealand. His teaching career has also included posts in the UK, Italy, and South-East Asia. He is currently Head of Academic Music and School Organist at Sherborne School.

Booklet for J.S. Bach: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080