Description
Art of the Fugue, BMV1080 by J.S. Bach (SCORE)
for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon, 2 violins, viola and cello
Transcribed for Chamber Music Performance By Samuel Baron
Edited by Don Stewart
PARTS SOLD SEPARATELY
The leading flutist Samuel Baron (1925-1997) played for many years with the Bach Aria Group, whose leader was William Scheide. This ensemble did much to acquaint the U.S. with the beauties of Bach’s creations for small groups of instruments. Baron was as well the leader of the New York Wind Quintet from 1955 until his death. Together with the Fine Arts Quartet ( at that time Leonard Sorkin, Abram Loft, Bernard Saslav and George Sopkin) this masterful transcription was recorded in 1962. It was performed with these players and others nationwide and on a tour of Australia. Baron had greatly talented players to work with; especially Ronald Roseman, a fine oboist who actually liked to play the English Horn, and the superior Bassoonist Arthur Weisberg. Baron was thus well-equipped to bring forth this unique and powerful transcription.
However, this version has never been published…until now. It is high art of the utmost seriousness; an historic, lengthy and demanding chamber work. Dedicated musicians and serious students can now participate for themselves. Baron’s markings and tempi etc. are to be carefully respected, although possibly changed in the hands of experienced musicians. — Don Stewart