Mahan Esfahani

Iranian-American musician Mahan Esfahani reveals the rich harpsichord repertoire of the late Baroque period.

Iranian-American musician Mahan Esfahani is a harpsichordist for the 21st century. With a lifelong determination to bring his instrument the modern-day prominence it deserves, he combines scholarly insights with dazzling drama in his performances of music old and new. He is the winner of several prominent awards for his playing, including the Wigmore Medal from Wigmore Hall, London.

Esfahani’s recital reveals the rich harpsichord repertoire of the late Baroque period, from keyboard pioneer Johann Sebastian Bach and his eminent sons to contemporary masters George Frideric Handel and Johann Pachelbel. Esfahani contrasts the elegant dances of Bach's Fourth Partita with the monumental splendour of Handel's mighty G major Chaconne, which explores a single theme from 21 different perspectives, each more virtuosic than the last.

Another Chaconne from Pachelbel demonstrates the composer’s innovation even more imaginatively. Esfahani closes with a Fantasia and Sonata from Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, whose drama and expressive virtuosity look ahead to the music of Haydn and Mozart.

The Warm Up: Queen's Hall

Festival Director Nicola Benedetti highlights the morning ritual of chamber concerts at the Queens Hall, and how this special atmosphere of calm and concentration is the perfect start to your Festival day.

The Warm Up: Queen's Hall

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    Programme

    A keepsake freesheet is available at the venue for this performance.

    Mahan Esfahani Harpsichord

    WF Bach Fantasia in E minor, F21

    Handel Chaconne in G, HWV 435 (HWV 1733)

    Bach Partita No 4 in D, BWV 828

    Pachelbel Chaconne in F minor

    CPE Bach Fantasia II in C, Wq 59/6

    Buxtehude La Capricciosa

    The programme on 17 Aug was:

    WF Bach Fantasia in E Minor, F.21
    Handel
    Chaconne in G, HWV 435
    Bach
    Partita No., BVW 828
    Pachelbel
    Chaconne in F Minor
    Carl Philip Emmanuel
    Fantasia II in C, Wq 59/6
    Buxtehude
    La Capricciosa, BuxWV 250

    Encores

    Henry Purcell A Ground in C Minor, Z.D 221
    Jean-Phillipe Rameau
    Gavotte & Variations