The Art of Fugue

In 1729 Johann Sebastian Bach seized the opportunity to improve the previously modest collection of string instruments in the two most important churches of Leipzig by purchasing four violins, two violas and two cellos from the workshop of Johann Christian Hoffmann (Leipzig 1683–1750). Three of these eight instruments, two violins and one viola, are still in the possession of the Thomaskirche. For decades they were only to be admired in a display case – here they are heard on a recording for the first time. "Die Kunst der Fuge" is accompanied by Bach's first and last Leipzig chorale arrangements, recorded on the Hildebrandt organ in Stormthal near Leipzig, which Bach himself inspected and inaugurated. Hearing these emblematic works performed on instruments played by the cantor himself is an extraordinary experience and constitutes direct historical testimony of the sound world of Johann Sebastian Bach.