Plucked Bach II Alon Sariel & Francesca Benetti

• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750): Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel):
• 1Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel): I. Toccata02:21
• 2Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel): II. Fugue06:02
• Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel):
• 3Bach: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel): I. Grave03:53
• 4Bach: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel): II. Fuga08:20
• 5Bach: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel): III. Andante04:57
• 6Bach: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel): IV. Allegro07:08
• Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 (excerpts) (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel):
• 7Bach: Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 (excerpts): I. Preludio (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel)04:57
• Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (excerpts) [Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel]:
• 8Bach: Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (excerpts) [Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel]: I. Prelude03:14
• 9Bach: Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-Flat Major, BWV 998 (excerpts) [Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel]: III. Allegro03:34
• Eugène Ysaÿe (1858 - 1931): Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel):
• 10Ysaÿe: Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 27 No. 2: I. Obsession (Arr. For Mandolin by Alon Sariel)03:15
• Total Runtime47:41

Info for Plucked Bach II

Mandolinist Alon Sariel continues his series of Bach transcriptions with Plucked Bach II. On his first Plucked Bach album, Sariel played the Cello Suites on a wide range of plucked instruments. Yet in this new recording, he performs works for the lute, organ and violin - all performed on 'only' two types of mandolins. By offering a distinctive and groundbreaking interpretation of his own transcriptions and arrangements, Sariel manages to breathe new life into some very well-known works by Johann Sebastian Bach.

The iconoclast Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV565, for the organ receives a contemplative and intimate character on the mandolin. Excerpts from the Lute Suite, BWV998, and the Violin Partita no.3 in E major, BWV1006, are drawn in a whole new palette of colours. For Bach's Violin Sonata no.2 in A minor, BWV1003, Alon Sariel shows the incredible suitability of the mandolin for Bach's music. And as an encore, you will hear his rendition of Ysaÿe's dazzling Obsession.

Alon Sariel is one of today's most versatile performers, known as a multi-instrumentalist in the realm of plucked strings with a growing reputation as a fascinating Bach interpreter.

Alon Sariel, mandolin
Francesca Benetti, theorbo

Alon Sariel
Philharmonic hall, not jazz podium; Mozart festival not cult TV rock programme – back then, Alon had not foreseen how things would develop: back then, in 1994, when his music teacher told the eight-year-old that the mandolin and the electric guitar were “basically the same thing”. This was a momentous deception that was to deliver to the world of music one of the most versatile mandolin players, lutenists and ensemble directors of the present day. In his concert programmes, Alon uses the lute, Baroque guitar, oud and other plucked instruments to give his audiences the most diverse musical experiences. The mandolin, which has survived the centuries and found its place in the most varied of music styles and cultures, occupies a very special place in his heart.

His many acclaimed recordings of Renaissance and Baroque works – his album “Telemandolin” was recognised in 2018 with an OPUS Klassik award – have firmly established him in the public eye as a specialist for early music. His work with international soloists and ensembles such as Maurice Steger, Andreas Scholl, Lautten Compagney, Norway’s Barokksolistene and many others attests to his reputation. That said, Alon’s guiding principle is a changing perspective. In other words: giving new life to existing material, as well as creating completely new works.

That is why Alon, as soloist and conductor, frequently brings contemporary compositions both to the stage and into the studio. He conducted the Munich Chamber Orchester in Markus Stockhausen’s “Symbiosis”, premiered as soloist with the Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin Gilad Hochman’s “Nedudim”, and commissioned two new works for mandolin from Uri Caine for the Beethoven anniversary year in 2020. His current album and PENTATONE debut “Plucked Bach” is a journey through Bach's Cello Suites on six of his different plucked instruments. For 2023, when the mandolin is named Instrument of the Year, Alon is planning new collaborations and the commission of new works.

Looking beyond the scope of a professional musician, Alon is an active member of Rhapsody in School, introducing classical music to schoolchildren of all ages. Furthermore, he supported the Live Music Now Foundation and has played in Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Animal protection is also an important issue for Alon; he has been an ambassador for the Pro Animale charity since 2021.

Booklet for Plucked Bach II