G’Day World #337 – Allon Klebanoff’s introduction to J. S. Bach
One of the wonderful people I met while in Ajaccio was Allon Klebanoff, an Israeli historian who is the closest thing to a “Renaissance Man” that I’ve ever met. Allon gave a terrific presentation on naval art during Napoleonic times at the Congress and, over much alcohol and good food during five days, we discussed religion, politics, art, wine, women… and music, which is the subject of today’s show.
I asked Allon what he’d like to talk about on his first appearance on G’Day World, what his number #1 passion is, and he said “Buck”. I first thought that he was a fan of 70’s Sci Fi, but I soon learned that “Buckkkh” is how one is supposed to pronounce “Bach”. In this very long episode (90 minutes) you will hear Allon talk about Bach’s life and career as well as get treated to a number of musical pieces by Bach (as prescribed by Allon) including (in order of appearance):
Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: VII. Badinerie – Trevor Pinnock
Suite No. 3 in D, BWV 1068: II. Air РMusica Antiqua K̦ln
Italian Concerto in F, BWV 971: III. Presto – Trevor Pinnock
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F, BWV 1047: I. – Trevor Pinnock
Saint John Passion, BWV 245 (Excerpts): Herr, Unser Herrscher
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565: I. Toccata – Helmut Walcha
Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C Major, BWV 564: II. Adagio – Marie-Claire Alain
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1 РMusica Antiqua K̦ln
The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 2 РMusica Antiqua K̦ln
Now I warn you – Allon is a funny guy. He doesn’t listen to rock, rap or jazz. He is VERY particular about the things that he is passionate about. And he’s a walking encyclopedia. I’m not sure I managed to get him to answer my main question “Why is Bach important?”, though I did ask him several times. Or maybe I just don’t understand. Anyway… strap yourself in and get ready to BACH.