Zhu Xiao-Mei - J. S. Bach: The English Suites (2024) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

CD1
01. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: I. Prélude
02. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: II. Allemande
03. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: III. Courante
04. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: IV. Sarabande
05. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: V. Gavotte I
06. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: VI. Gavotte II
07. English Suite No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 808: VII. Gigue
08. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: I. Prélude
09. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: II. Allemande
10. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: III. Courante I
11. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: IV. Courante II
12. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: V. Double I
13. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VI. Double II
14. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VII. Sarabande
15. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: VIII. Bourrée I
16. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: IX. Bourrée II
17. English Suite No. 1 in A Major, BWV 806: X. Gigue
18. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: I. Prélude
19. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: II. Allemande
20. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: III. Courante
21. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: IV. Sarabande
22. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: V. Bourrée I
23. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: VI. Bourrée II
24. English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807: VII. Gigue

CD2
01. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: I. Prélude
02. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: II. Allemande
03. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: III. Courante
04. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: IV. Sarabande
05. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: V. Passepied I en rondeau
06. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: VI. Passepied II
07. English Suite No. 5 in E Minor, BWV 810: VII. Gigue
08. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: I. Prélude
09. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: II. Allemande
10. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: III. Courante
11. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: IV. Sarabande
12. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: V. Menuet I
13. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: VI. Menuet II
14. English Suite No. 4 in F Major, BWV 809: VII. Gigue
15. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: I. Prélude
16. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: II. Allemande
17. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: III. Courante
18. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: IV. Sarabande
19. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: V. Double
20. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: VI. Gavotte I
21. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: VII. Gavotte II
22. English Suite No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 811: VIII. Gigue



After a six-year hiatus, acclaimed pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei returns with a deeply personal and masterful recording of J.S. Bach’s English Suites. This release completes her heartfelt journey through Bach’s piano compositions, marking another significant milestone in her extraordinary career.

This project is the culmination of years of meticulous preparation and an intimate relationship with the music. Zhu Xiao-Mei’s approach is characterized by a profound connection to each piece, allowing her to bring out the subtleties and nuances that make Bach’s work so timeless. Her dedication to living with the music day-by-day ensures a performance that is both authentic and deeply resonant.

The English Suites, with their blend of lively orchestral and delicate intimate moments, have a special place in Zhu XiaoMei’s heart. She describes them as “a music of intimacy,” making this recording particularly unique. Despite the challenges, including pandemic-related delays and finding the perfect piano, her dedication to authenticity shines through in every note.

Zhu Xiao-Mei’s insightful and sensitive performance invites you into a world of subtlety and depth, offering a refreshing contrast to today’s fast-paced musical landscape. This album is not just a completion of her Bach recordings but a milestone that underscores her exceptional artistry and unwavering devotion to Bach’s timeless music.

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