On Sunday 25th February, harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani completes his multi-season cycle of JS Bach's works for solo keyboard, with a performance of Book II of The Well-Tempered Clavier.
His Bach cycle at the Wigmore Hall began in 2017, and persevered through a global pandemic. In recent concerts he has brought to the Hall’s stage JS Bach’s Suites, French Suites, Fantasias, and book 1 of the Well-Tempered Clavier, with the latter livestream broadcast from an empty hall during the height of the pandemic described as “a mighty achievement” and “a gripping experience”. This survey of Bach’s keyboard works led Mahan to a programme of Bach Before and After in October 2021, a “richly satisfying” evening of discoveries by JS Bach’s predecessors and influences, with Mahan the “compelling advocate” throughout. A disc of JS Bach paired with Byrd and Ligeti was released on the Wigmore Hall Live label in 2013, and was named Editor’s Choice for both Gramophone and BBC Music Magazines.
In July 2022 he was awarded the prestigious Wigmore Medal, honouring his extraordinary achievements in his field, and his longstanding relationship with the Hall. The presentation followed Mahan’s performance of JS Bach’s Art of Fugue.
His interpretations of works by JS Bach have been described as “uniquely captivating”, “a revelation” and a “near miraculous” and “deeply human experience” with his “inquiring musical mind” and “absolute mastery of his instrument”.
Find out more about Mahan's concert here: https://wigmore-hall.org.uk/wh...
