Johann Sebastian Bach’s Clavier-Übung II elevates two differing national styles to create a pair of incomparable masterpieces. The Italian Concerto uses the spectacular effects available from a two-manual harpsichord to represent contrasts between different groups of instruments, while the French Overture, Bach’s longest keyboard suite, explores French harmonies, rhythms, ornamentation and melodic invention in the dark and dramatic key of B minor. Both the multiple counterpoint of the Fantasia and Fugue in A minor and the unusual harmonic richness of the Sonata in D minor further represent Bach’s mastery of the keyboard and genius as a composer.

During her childhood, Alessandra Artifoni enjoyed listening to early music, and she began her musical studies on the harpsichord. Later on, she also studied organ, basso continuo and orchestration, completing her studies at the Schola Cantorum of Basel. She has collaborated, as a soloist and continuo player, with Le Parlement de Musique, L’Orchestre Nationale de Strasburg, L’Opera du Rhin, Les Arts Florissants, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra Regionale della Toscana, L’Homme Armé, Modo Antiquo, AuserMusici, L’Arte del Mondo Kammerorchester; and with renowned international festivals: Ambronay, Sagra Musicale Umbra, Festival Monteverdi di Cremona, Haendel Festspiele Halle, Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht, Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Salzburg Festival.

For the Dynamic label, she has recorded two double CDs dedicated to J.S. Bach’s harpsichord music, the French and English suites. Alessandra Artifoni teaches harpsichord and basso continuo at the “Centro Studi Musica & Arte” in Florence, where she also coordinates the Early Music Laboratories, and at the Bergamo Conservatory.

‘Artifoni’s performances are further enhanced by a richly voiced two-manual harpsichord of exceptional clarity and beauty of tone. The more I listen to Aritifoni’s French Suites the more I like them’ – Fanfare (CDS757)

‘Taken as a set, this is the best account I have heard to date of the English Suites.’ – Audio Video Club of Atlanta (CDS7793)