Charles Wuorinen: A Tribute; Music by Wuorinen & J.S. Bach; Steven Beck
BRIDGE 9573A/B

American pianist Steven Beck’s new recording combines seven intriguing compositions by Charles Wuorinen with two acknowledged masterpieces by J.S. Bach: the Goldberg Variations, BWV 988; and Prelude and Fugue in A major, BWV 864, from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book One. The unusual pairing of the two composers was chosen by Beck in recollection of a  performance of the Goldbergs he gave at the home of Charles Wuorinen.  Beck's choice of the Bach prelude and fugue also honors the last Bach piece Wuorinen practiced, during his final months.  Steven Beck's virtuosity has been heard on numerous Bridge recordings, most recently, George Walker's Five Piano Sonatas (BRIDGE 9554).

"It's easy to hear why Steven Beck's staggeringly meticulous interpretations of Charles Wuorinen's piano works pleased the composer.  He clearly believes in this music, and is consistently attentive to its multilayered contrapuntal rigour, sharp dynamic contrasts and dramatic mobility."  — Jed Distler, Gramophone

Steven Beck, an excellent pianist and champion of contemporary music, was the committed soloist, deftly revealing the elegiac and frenetic moods of this rhythmically and harmonically complex work.   — New York Times (on Beck's world premiere performance of The Haroun Piano Book)

BRIDGE 9573A/B