Saint-Saëns's Piano Arrangements of J.S. Bach's Works

J.S. BachSaint-Saëns's collections of piano arrangements based on J.S. Bach's works were published by Durand, with Volume 1 appearing in 1862 and Volume 2 in 1873. All twelve pieces are drawn from Bach's cantatas and unaccompanied violin sonatas, revealing a distinctly French perspective on Bach, which differs markedly from that of German composers. These arrangements are characterized by expansive lyricism and functional pianism, rather than strictness and piety. Clara SchumannVolume 2 was dedicated to Mrs. Wilhelmine Salvady (Kraus) (1834-1909), a gifted pupil of Clara Schumann. (Kanazawa, Setsu)

List of Pieces

• 1. No. 1 Overture / Overture de la 28e Cantate d'église
• 2. No. 2 Adagio / Adagio D'après la 3e Cantate d'église
• 3. No. 3 Andantino / Andantino D'après la 8e Cantate d'église
• 4. No. 4 Bourrée / Bourrée de la 2e Sonate de violon
• 5. No. 5 Andante / Andante de la 3e Sonate de violon
• 6. No. 6 Presto / Presto de la 35e Cantate d'église