The transcription of Johann Sebastian Bach’s organ works for the piano represents a unique intersection of Baroque architecture and Romantic virtuosity. Among the most celebrated of these transformations is Franz Liszt’s arrangement of the Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542. Originally conceived for the "Great" organ, the work finds a new, more intimate yet equally explosive life under the fingers of a pianist. To hear this work performed by Shura Cherkassky is to witness a masterclass in tonal color, spontaneity, and the preservation of the "grand style" of piano playing.
In conclusion, the Bach-Liszt Fantasia and Fugue in G minor as performed by Shura Cherkassky remains a cornerstone of the recorded piano repertoire. It serves as a reminder that the piano is a multi-faceted instrument capable of echoing the divine scale of the organ. Cherkassky’s interpretation stands as a testament to an era of pianism where personality and beauty of tone were the ultimate goals, ensuring that Bach’s 18th-century masterpiece continues to resonate with modern audiences through a 19th-century lens. The transcription of Johann Sebastian Bach’s organ works
The synergy between Bach’s genius, Liszt’s transformative vision, and Cherkassky’s idiosyncratic brilliance results in a performance that feels both timeless and fresh. Cherkassky does not merely play the notes; he orchestrates them. He understands that Liszt’s transcription is not just a copy of Bach, but a commentary on him. By emphasizing the Romantic possibilities of the score—the sudden shifts in mood, the highlighting of inner voices, and the grand, arching phrasing—Cherkassky honors the spirit of both the composer and the arranger. To hear this work performed by Shura Cherkassky