LEOPOLD STOKOWSKI

LEOPOLD STOKOWSKI
BACH-STOKOWSKI: TRANSCRIPTIONS
VOLUME 1, 1927/1939
320 KBPS

The transcriptions of Bach’s keyboard works for full symphony orchestra by Leopold Stokowski, one of the greatest conductors of the twentieth century, formed a successful part of his crusade to increase the accessibility of music. In reality Stokowski’s transcriptions had little to do with Bach: they are rather complete re-compositions in the manner of Wagner or Tchaikovsky for the late-romantic symphony orchestra. They have enjoyed continuing popularity since Stokowski first introduced them, and took a central rôle in the internationally popularfilm which he made with Walt Disney, Fantasia. The recordings on this CD were made between 1927 and 1939, with Stokowski conducting in all instances The Philadelphia Orchestra, whose lush orchestra style was clearly well suited to his musical vision of Bach. Contemporary audiences and conductors continue to respond warmly to these re-compositions with many successful performances and re-recordings, such as those by José Serebrier.

1. Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Bwv 565
Three Chorales Preludes
2. Ich Ruf' Zu Dir, Herr Jesu Christ, Bwv 639
3. Nun Komm Der Heiden Heiland, Bwv 599
4. Wir Glauben All An Einen Gott, Bwv 680
Three Selections from the Book of the Well-Tempered Clavier
5. Prelude XXIV in B minor, Bwv 869
6. Prelude VIII in E flat minor, Bwv 853
7. Fugue II in C minor, Bwv 847
Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, Bwv 1004
8. Chaconne
9. Ein Feste Burg (Chorale Prelude, after Luther), Bwv 80
Three Transcriptions of Organ Works
10. Adagio (from Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C major, Bwv 564)
11. "Little" Fugue in G minor, Bwv 578
12. Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, Bwv 582