Lesser-known they may be, but certainly fully worthy of a hearing and addition to any Bach collection. Gunnar Johansen plays his splendid Sperrhake harpsichord with gusto where a dramatic piece demands, and with sensitivity on the quieter preludes or fugues. He recorded Bach's complete clavier works in his own time in his own studio, making for very relaxed performances.

There is much pleasure to be had in the discovery of all these wonderful pieces, and their quality is such that they can be heard over and over again. Mostly early works, they benefit from a youthful vigor and energy.

As Artist in Residence at Wisconsin University, Gunnar Johansen made several recorded LP sets including the complete works of Busoni, and of Bach, recorded by himself using professional equipment in his own home studio where he had a harpsichord, clavichord, spinet, and a double-keyboard piano.

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A very personal note (!)

The picture above shows the Bach Haus, Eisenach, as it was in the socialist days. No longer. Yes, it's been painted and spruced up, but its wonderful setting at the head of a walkway with bushes and a bust of JSB closing off the street has been totally destroyed. The road now continues straight on, with the sense of enclosure gone, and horror of horrors, this ancient house has been wedded on to a ghastly new ultra mod all-glass structure. That beautiful tree has gone too. Gone. Modernisation at its absolute worst, and at its most insensitive. You have been warned!!