Search - Johann Sebastian Bach :: Bach: Art of Fugue

Pure Empowerment

Ben Jaber | Houston, TX USA | 01/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though it may seem slightly biased, with my being a brass player and all, I've always felt that the brass ensemble medium is the perfect means of interpreting the major fugal/contrapuntal works from the organ/keyboard repertoire of J.S. Bach. Therefore, I was very excited to learn that the complete Art of Fugue had been recorded by none other than the Pittsburgh Brass, who is by far one of the finest orchestral brass sections to ever exist. Upon hearing this masterpiece recording, I knew then that I had never before heard nor would ever hear again a more amazing, musically exciting or satisfying interpretation of the perfect genius that is the Art of Fugue. The work itself, for me, is a true testament to all music, just the same as I think it was for Bach himself, to the world. It is the true recapitulation/summary of the truly 'out-of-this-world' creativity the man was capable of. I was moved to tears by the end of 'Vor deinen Thron', as the conical instrumentation was the perfect vehicle for this perfect music. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Pittsburgh Symphony Brass, for the incredibly beautiful gift you have given me in strengthening, inspiring and empowering me as a player and as a musician."