Craig Leon Reinterprets Bach with Reissued Moog Modular Synth

BY Alex HudsonPublished Feb 20, 2015

Earlier this year, Moog announced plans to reissue a few classic modular synthesizers, including the System 55. Now, this new edition of the classic instrument is being put to very good use, as producer, composer and all-around synth expect Craig Leon has put together an album of music originally written by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Entitled Back to Moog, the project brings together two different sides of Leon's output, since he's known for both classical works and synthesizer albums, such as his classic Nommos. The new record features synth-based reinterpretations of some Bach pieces, with Jennifer Pike contributing violin. Sinfonietta Cracovia also appears.

This is the first album to be made with the new edition of the System 55; Leon also played some contemporary Moog synths. According to a press release, this "presents the glorious works of Johann Sebastian Bach in a compelling and contemporary way."

The release date hasn't yet been announced. For now, though, watch a 14-minute mini-doc about Bach to Moog.

This is something of spiritual successor to Wendy Carlos' 1968 album Switched-On Bach, which also contained Moog interpretations of Bach pieces.

UPDATE: The album will arrive on May 4 via Sony Classical. 

Thanks to FACT for the tip.

Bach to Moog:

1. Preludio from the Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major BWV 1006
2. "Jesu Meine Freude" from the cantata "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben" BWV 147
3. Arioso (Sinfonia) from the cantata "Ich Steh Mit Einem Fuß im Grabe" BWV 156
4. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BWV 565
5. Siciliano from the Violin Sonata No. 4 in C Minor BWV 1017
6. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major BWV 1049 Movement 1: Allegro
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major BWV 1049 Movement 2: Andante
8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major BWV 1049 Movement 3: Presto
9. Air from the Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major BWV 1068
10. Aria from the Goldberg Variations BWV 988
11. 14 Canons on the Goldberg Ground BWV 1087

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