Bach - Aria variata alla maniera italiana BWV 989 - Mortensen | Netherlands Bach Society

Aria variata alla maniera italiana, performed by Lars Ulrik Mortensen for All of Bach, is reminiscent of the style of the Italian composers Frescobaldi and Pasquini, who were both known for their accomplished harpsichord compositions. Pasquini was also known as a virtuoso keyboard player “who [could] play so fast he [appeared] to have demons in his fingers.” The runs in variation 9 of the Aria variata are just like those at the ending of Pasquini’s toccata. If Bach knew Pasquini’s compositions this is not a surprising choice. After all, Bach could also play as if he had demons in his fingers. Recorded for the project All of Bach on October 14th 2017 at the Bartolotti House, Amsterdam. If you want to help us complete All of Bach, please subscribe to our channel and consider donating For the interview with harpsichordist Lars Ulrik Mortensen on ’Aria variata alla maniera italiana’ go to For