I remember hearing an interview with pianist Brad Mehldau on KJZZ-FM in which he stated he was a classical pianist before switching to jazz. That conversation, which took place very early in his career, came to mind when I stumbled upon videos of Mehldau performing music from his 2017 release After Bach Live at Philharmonie Paris.
In these recordings, and on the album (from Nonesuch Records), Mehldau performs selections from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier and new compositions he wrote that were inspired by them. Each of the videos showcases one particular composition by Bach with one or more compositions by Mehldau.
It is jazz. It is classical. It is all of it together. And I found this to be quite emotionally satisfying in our trying times. It’s also the kind of music that allows you to let go and become almost meditative.
This performance took place on April 2, 2018 at the Grande Salle Pierre Boulez of the Philharmonie de Paris and some of them include improvisations done in performance unique to this particular concert.
Here are all five videos for you in order. Enjoy!
Part One: Brad Mehldau performs the C# Major Prelude from Book I of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier and his own Three Pieces After Bach: I. Rondo
Brad Mehldau performs the C Major Prelude from Book II of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier and an improvised response live in Part 2.
Brad Mehldau performs the G Minor Fugue from Book II of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier and his own Three Pieces After Bach: II. Ostinato
Brad Mehldau performs the D Minor Prelude from Book I of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier and his own Three Pieces After Bach: III. Toccata
Brad Mehldau performs the E-Flat Major Prelude from Book I of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier and his own improvised response live
What did you think of After Bach Live? Leave a comment and let us know!
Photo of Brad Mehldau by Michael Wilson/Courtesy of IMNWorld.com