Wolfgang Rubsam - Inventions & Sinfonias : Wolfgang Rubsam(Lute Cemb) - Import CD

Ultra-High-Resolution Performance & Recording That Brings Every Note to Life in Stunning Detail [Overview] ◆ A re-recording after approximately 32 years: A complete recording of the Inventions and Sinfonias performed on the lute-harpsichord by Wolfgang Lüpzamm, a leading authority on Bach’s music. Although Lüpzamm had previously recorded these works in 1993—making this his second attempt—there is a significant difference: while the previous recording featured piano performances, this one features performances on a lute-harpsichord crafted by Keith Hill. ◆ Lute Harpsichord: Perhaps because Bach was involved in renting and brokering the sale of musical instruments while in Leipzig, the inventory of his estate lists a total of eight keyboard instruments, including harpsichords, two of which were lute harpsichords. Since all original lute-harpsichords have been lost and their exact appearance is unknown, various reconstructions have been made; however, they all seem to share the common features of being strung with gut strings and lacking dampers. ◆Self-Produced Recording: A distinctive feature of this recording is that the sound of the lute-harpsichord comes across with a sense of proximity, as if the instrument were right in front of the listener—a bold approach made possible precisely because Lüpzamm himself served as both recording producer and engineer. ◆Contemplative Performance: The performance itself is truly bold. It features a unique approach in which Bach’s music is first deconstructed and then carefully reassembled, and—aided by the close-miking technique—the sheer amount of sonic detail is immense. On the other hand, elements typically associated with Bach’s music—such as a sense of speed and lively rhythms—are downplayed, making it clear that Lüpzamm’s goal is not to provide physical excitement. The running time of his previous recording was approximately 66 minutes, while this one is about 71 minutes, meaning this performance is, on average, about 8% slower. [Program] ◆ Bach: 15 Inventions (for two voices): Short pieces developed contrapuntally from a single motif. Each piece has a distinct character, ranging from the triplet variation of No. 1 (C major) to dance-like pieces such as No. 6 (E major). ◆ Bach: 15 Sinfonias (3-part): Polyphonic works in which three independent voices intertwine. The collection includes pieces with a lyrical or meditative character, such as No. 5 and No. 9. [Performer] ◆Wolfgang Rüpsam: Winner of the 1973 Chartres International Organ Competition. He served for 23 years as Professor of Church Music and Organ at Northwestern University and as University Organist at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago. From 1996 to 2010, he also taught at the Saar College of Music in Germany. To date, he has produced over 100 albums, featuring organ works ranging from the Baroque to the Romantic periods, as well as recent recordings of Bach for lute and harpsichord. [Recording Details] ◆ Recorded: April 2025. Lüpzam served as both producer and engineer. ◆ Location: St. Helena Catholic Church, Minneapolis. [Product Specifications] ◆ Case: 10mm-thick polystyrene (jewel case). ◆Booklet: In English. 8 pages. Includes liner notes by Christian von Brön, a German organist and church musician. The cover illustration was previously painted by instrument maker Keith Hill for harpsichord decoration. ◆Disc: Manufactured by Optimal Media (part of the German EDEL Group).