The Art of Fugue proves to be the central instrumental project of the last decade of Bach's life, following a gradual development over several years: the profound exploration, carried out with an exuberant musical imagination, of the contrapuntal possibilities inherent in a single musical theme. The theoretical component of Bach's thinking is most clearly expressed in this work: theory and practice merge, old and new stylistic elements and compositional techniques are integrated and demonstrate his individual approach to composition in an incomparable way. As Bach made no reference to the instrument and his writings shed no further light on the subject, one might even wonder whether this work is purely theoretical and intended solely for musical analysis. However, since the composer's rediscovery in the 19th century, musicians have appropriated the work independently of their instrument. It is now generally accepted that the work was composed for piano. A second harpsichord part is added for three fugues, played here by Masato Suzuki. After several acclaimed recordings of Bach's works for keyboard instruments, Masaaki Suzuki finally tackles this mighty work, the pinnacle of the Thomaskantor's art and one of the absolute highlights of Western music.