Like any aspiring pianist, the Hungarian András Schiff devoted several hours of his younger days to the obsessive repetition of studies to improve his technique. Until one day, that is, as he told the National Public Radio, he discovered Bach. Exercises, rather than a heavy daily chore, then became a light pleasure. “Every day of my life, I start by playing Bach, usually for about an hour, sometimes even before breakfast,” he said. “Bach gives me emotional, intellectual and physical pleasure and satisfaction.”

András Schiff Piano

Johann Sebastian Bach
Inventios, BWV 787-791

Béla Bartók
Suite op. 14, Sz. 62

Johann Sebastian Bach
Inventios, BWV 787-791

Béla Bartók
Out of doors, Sz. 81 (1-3)

Johann Sebastian Bach
Inventios, BWV 797-801

Béla Bartók
Out of doors, Sz. 81 (4-5)

Leos Janácek
Sonata 1.X.1905

Robert Schumann
Piano Sonata No.1, in F-sharp minor, op. 11

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