J.S. Bach: Piano Transcriptions (Bonus Track Version)

After his impressive 2020 album of Beethoven piano sonatas, much-lauded Japanese pianist Kotaro Fukuma turns his attention to Bach—but Bach as realized by others. There are many favorite piano transcriptions, including Myra Hess’ sublime “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” Alexander Siloti’s magical take on the “Prelude & Fugue in B Minor,” and a trio of works adapted by Ferruccio Busoni, among many others. Fukuma’s imaginative approach and rock-solid technique are apparent throughout. He offers his own transcription of the heart-stopping aria “Erbarme dich,” from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, which is beautifully gauged.