In memory of Bach
Prof. Bernhard Klapprott publishes his own composition and gives Erasmus master classes
The highly acclaimed teachers at Weimar's Music University are often active in teaching and performing outside Weimar. This is also true of the director of the Department of Early Music, Prof. Bernhard Klapprott, who will be travelling to ERASMUS+ master classes in Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Budapest (Hungary) on 22 May. With such external master classes, the teachers are, in a sense, presenting their educational ‘calling cards’ throughout Europe and around the world – and sparking interest in studying in Weimar.
But Bernhard Klapprott also has some excellent news to report as an artist: the Weimar professor of harpsichord, clavichord, fortepiano, organ (early music) and basso continuo is also active as a composer and is delighted about a publication by a major music publisher. His new composition ‘B-A-C-H, Perpetuum Mobile’ for two harpsichordists has been published by Bärenreiter-Verlag in its contemporary music series. ‘I am delighted that such a prominent publisher has published my work and that it is available internationally in print and as a download,’ says Prof. Klapprott.
Bärenreiter-Verlag writes about the work: ‘Two harpsichords merge into a large, rich sound that builds up from an ostinato out of nothing to written-out clusters. In addition to the b–a–c–h motif, the entire work is based on the three intervals underlying this motif, which are heard in various constellations. Large arcs of tension created by rhythmic condensations and a gradual decrease in the number of voices while simultaneously shifting them to different pitches give the work a feeling of space and breadth.’
Bernhard Klapprott studied harpsichord in Cologne and Amsterdam with Hugo Ruf and Bob van Asperen, as well as organ with Michael Schneider and Ewald Kooiman and church music. He also attended masterclasses in basso continuo with Jesper Christensen and organ with Michael Radulescu. An intensive study of the clavichord shaped his musical development.
In 1991, Klapprott won first prize at the 10th International Organ Competition (Bach/Mozart) of the Festival van Vlaanderen in Bruges. He performs internationally as a soloist, continuo player and conductor. He participates in radio and television recordings and is in demand as a juror at competitions. His numerous CD releases include important works such as the complete keyboard works of Thomas Tomkins (harpsichord, virginal, organ, 4 CDs, MDG), clavichord sonatas by Georg Anton Benda (clavichord by J. G. Horn, 1788, AEOLUS), concertos for 3 and 4 harpsichords by Johann Sebastian Bach (Virgin Classics) and organ works by Bach (part of the complete recording on organs by A. and J. A. Silbermann, AEOLUS). His recordings have won numerous prestigious awards, including the German Record Critics' Prize and the ECHO Klassik.
Together with Christoph Dittmar, Klapprott founded the ensemble CANTUS THURINGIA & CAPELLA, of which he became artistic director. The ensemble is dedicated to the performance of works from the 16th to 18th centuries for vocal and instrumental ensembles. Particularly noteworthy are revivals of unknown Central German music and stage works in conjunction with historical acting. CD recordings on the cpo label include cantatas, passions and oratorios by composers such as Reinhard Keiser, Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, Georg Friedrich Händel, Georg Gebel the Younger, Johann Peter Kellner, Johann Christoph Rothe and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
As the initiator of the ‘Musikerbe Thüringen’ (Thuringian Musical Heritage) project, Klapprott is committed to the rediscovery and publication of unknown Thuringian vocal and instrumental music, including a CD series on cpo and a corresponding edition. His scholarly work is reflected in specialist articles, including the comprehensive study ‘sangbar und zusammenhängend spielen – Aspekte der Kantabilität im Spiel des Clavichords, dargestellt anhand von Quellen der Zeit Carl Philipp Emanuel Bachs’ (Michaelsteiner Konferenzberichte Vol. 82).
Klapprott taught at the University of Dortmund and at the universities of music in Detmold, Herford and Bremen. Since 1994, he has been professor of harpsichord, historical keyboard instruments and basso continuo, as well as organ (repertoire of the 16th to 18th centuries) at the Department of Early Music at the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar. He also teaches harpsichord at the University of the Arts in Bremen. In addition, he gives master classes and guest lectures in Europe and the USA, including at the Juilliard School in New York, the Eastman School in Rochester and Boston University.
[14 May 2025]