James McVinnie: Bach for Organ & Piano
The organist returns with a captivating recital with a difference: a rare chance to hear Bach played on both the piano and the organ by the same performer.
The evening begins with one of the composer’s delicate, decorative forays into the French Baroque: the French Suite in E flat major.
McVinnie contrasts this with the florid lines and spirited extroversion of the Italian Concerto, in a language that Vivaldi would have recognised.
In between these two works on the piano, McVinnie turns to the organ for the Italian-influenced Sonata in E minor, BWV.528. Here Bach deftly exploits the organ pipes’ ability to imitate the timbres of several different instruments.
After the interval, McVinnie plays two contrasting settings of the chorale Allein Gott in der Höh Sei Ehr (Alone to God be Glory), taken from the Leipzig Chorales. The recital concludes with three Preludes and Fugues, contrasting both instruments.
Performers
James McVinnie organ*, piano
Repertoire
Bach: French Suite No.4 in E flat, BWV.815; Sonata No.4 in E minor, BWV.528*; Concerto in the Italian Style, BWV.971
Interval
Bach: Chorale prelude, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV.662*; Trio, Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV.664*; Prelude and Fugue in B flat, BWV.890; Prelude and Fugue in B flat minor, BWV.867; Prelude and Fugue in E flat, BWV.552*
Need to know
Find out more about the music with our free programme.
View the programme
Reviews
‘McVinnie was the entrancing model of serenity and grace’ Los Angeles Times
For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
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