Bach - Imagine Jean Rondeau

• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Lute Suite No. 2 in C Minor, BWV 997 (arr. Jean Rondeau)
• 1 I. Prelude 04:20
• 2 II. Fuga 04:47
• 3 III. Sarabande 04:35
• 4 IV. Gigue - Double 02:37
• Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 (arr. W. F. Bach)
• 5 I. Grave 03:27
• 6 II. Fuga 06:44
• 7 III. Andante 03:47
• 8 IV. Allegro 03:36
• Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 (arr. J. Brahms)
• 9 V. Chaconne 11:48
• Flute Partita in A Minor, BWV 1013 (arr. Stéphane Delplace):
• 10 I. Allemande 04:38
• 11 II. Corrente 03:51
• 12 III. Sarabande 04:35
• 13 IV. Bourrée Angloise 02:53
• Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971 (arr. Jean Rondeau)
• 14 I. Allegro 03:58
• 15 II. Andante 05:13
• 16 III. Allegro Vivace 04:29
• Violin Sonata in C Major, BWV 1005 (arr. Wilhelm Friedemann Bach)
• 17 I. Adagio 04:41
• Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 (arr. Jean Rondeau)
• 18 V. Menuets I & II 04:35
• Total Runtime 01:24:34

Info for Bach - Imagine

Bach Imagine is the first Warner Classics release from the dynamic young French harpsichordist Jean Rondeau, who sees it as “an exploration of all the possibilities that lie in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and in the harpsichord”.

Praised by radio station France Musique for his “maturity, fabulous touch and originality,” the multi-talented Rondeau feels that, as a young musician today, he has “an incredible opportunity to break out of the concert hall and meet the world”.

Bach Imagine features one of Bach’s most celebrated harpsichord works, the Italian Concerto BWV 971, but it mainly comprises transcriptions of music that the composer conceived for other instruments: the violin, the lute and the flute, including the towering Chaconne in D Minor.

“This isn’t a recording of transcriptions, though,” says Rondeau. “As its name suggests, it is about imagination – an exploration of all the possibilities that lie in the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and in the harpsichord. And though it’s not making a direct link to John Lennon, it’s nice if the title of the album calls him to mind.”

Jean Rondeau, harpsichord

Jean Rondeau
studied harpsichord with Blandine Verlet for over ten years, followed by training in basso continuo, organ, piano, jazz and improvisation, and conducting. He pursued further studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris, graduating with honours, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

In 2012, at just 21 years old, he became one of the youngest performers ever to take First Prize at the International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges (MAfestival 2012), also winning the EUBO Development Trust prize; an accolade bestowed on the most promising young musician of the European Union. The same year, he claimed second place in the Prague Spring International Harpsichord Competition (64th edition of the Festival, 2012), along with a nod for the best interpretation of the contemporary piece composed specially for that contest. In 2013, he also won the Prix des Radios Francophones Publiques.

Rondeau is in demand for solo, chamber music and orchestral appearances throughout Europe and in the United States. He frequently performs with the Baroque quartet Nevermind. Quite apart from his activities as harpsichordist, he founded the ensemble Note Forget, presenting his own jazz-oriented compositions and improvisations on piano.

Rondeau is signed to Erato as an exclusive recording artist. January 2015 sees the release of his debut solo album, Imagine, dedicated to the music of J.S. Bach on harpsichord.

Booklet for Bach - Imagine