This debut album of a harpsichordist Asako Ogawa opens up another dimension of this masterpiece. Recorded in an unusually lively acoustic and minimally edited, this uplifting and energetic performance is even accompanied by occasional distant bird song. Asako’s interpretation inclining towards French baroque style offers elegant and sophisticated ornaments and use of notes inégales.

Intimate and expressive, you can actually experience Asako’s journey of Bach’s cosmos as your own.

Asako plays on the double manual French harpsichord made by Alan Gott, a copy of Taskin, which was re-voiced especially by herself with the guidance of the producer of this recording, renowned harpsichordist Nicholas Parle.

Asako Ogawa is a leading Japanese harpsichordist, based in London. She has been actively performing both as a soloist and as a continuo player in many international baroque festivals and stages in UK, Germany and Japan. Asako also teaches baroque repertoire classes at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

She studied harpsichord with Nicholas Parle, James Johnstone, and Laurence Cummings. Asako also took part in summer courses and master classes given by Colin Tilney, Bob van Asperen, Ton Koopman, and Christophe Rousset.

“I used to start my daily practice with a piece by JS Bach in my childhood, and playing Bach was like writing a diary. It has always given me a reason to live and hope. Through this recording of the Goldberg Variations, I wish to deliver to you : happiness, laughter, tears and peace, which I receive from his music.”

“Asako Ogawa is a fine harpsichordist with a beautiful sound and touch. As well as being an excellent continuo player she has a very strong musical personality as a soloist. I thoroughly recommend her Bach Goldberg Variations.” Laurence Cummings, Conductor, Harpsichordist

“I have never heard the harpsichord played so expressively.” Audience member at the Handel & Hendrix in London, 29 December 2016

“Your playing was so beautiful, it brought tears in my eyes.” Audience member at the St Anne’s Bach Festival, London 7 July 2017

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