J.S. Bach – Fugue from BWV 998 – Live from Universitetets Aula, March 1, 2024 | Espen Folmo, Guitar

Описание: Experience the captivating Fugue from J.S. Bach’s Prelude, Fugue, and Allegro in E-flat major, BWV 998, performed live by Espen Jan Folmo at Universitetets Aula, Oslo, on March 1, 2024. This iconic venue, adorned with stunning murals by the famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, including The Sun, Alma Mater, and History, provides a fitting and inspiring backdrop for Bach’s intricate and timeless composition. The presence of Munch's art enhances the spiritual and contemplative atmosphere of this performance.

The Fugue from BWV 998 is one of the few pieces where Bach employs an A–B–A structure, enhancing its spiritual depth and balance. As discussed in a conversation between two of my heroes, David Tanenbaum and David Russell, this piece is truly a "gift that keeps giving." Playing this piece brings a unique experience, distinct from simply listening to it, as it becomes a profound exploration of both technical skill and emotional expression.

Two of my personal heroes in conversation about this masterpiece by Bach (David Tanenbaum interviews David Russell – Prelude, Fugue and Allegro, BWV 998 by J.S. Bach for Omni):
   • David Tanenbaum interviews David Russell -...  

About the Performer

Espen Jan Folmo, born in 1980, made his debut at Universitetets Aula in 2001 and has since cultivated a deep spiritual connection with music. Though he rarely performs concerts today, he views music as his truest form of spiritual practice. Espen has studied with the esteemed Geir-Otto Nilsson and Erik Stenstadvold at the Norwegian Academy of Music and has participated in masterclasses with several of the world’s most distinguished guitarists, including David Russell, Carlo Domeniconi, and Leo Brouwer. Geir-Otto was Espen´s teacher from he was 9 to 21 years old.

Credits:

Guitar crafted by: Joshia de Jonge
Video Production: Jonatan Ørting
Sound Recording: Nils Wingerei
Special Thanks: Vidar Lunden at Musikkloftet AS

Additional Links:

My favorite live recording of this piece:    • Johann Sebastian Bach: Preludio, fuga e al...  
As mentioned above, a brilliant conversation on BWV 998 with David Russell and David Tanenbaum:    • David Tanenbaum interviews David Russell -...  

Concert Details:

"From Lute Suites to Luftslåtter" was a concert held at Universitetets Aula, Oslo, on March 1, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This unique event showcased the expressive capabilities of the classical guitar across various genres, including works by Bach, Domeniconi, Brouwer, and Yocoh, as well as original compositions by Arild Hammerø. To download the concert program:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-PNR....

Program: "Fra Luttsuiter til Luftslåtter" or "From Lute Suites to Luftslåtter"

This performance was part of a broader concert titled "From Lute Suites to Luftslåtter," which took the audience on a journey through various musical landscapes. The concert spanned from Bach's deeply spiritual works to modern masterpieces, showcasing the versatility and power of the classical guitar.

Concert Program:

Espen Jan Folmo:

Carlo Domeniconi – Koyunbaba
J.S. Bach – Prelude, Fugue, Allegro, BWV 998
J.S. Bach – Prelude, BWV 1006
J.S. Bach – Fugue in G Minor, BWV 1000
Leo Brouwer – Balada de la Doncella Enamorada (from El Decameron Negro)
Y. Yocoh – Sakura

15-minute intermission

Arild Hammerø:

Original compositions