‘[Bach] speaks to us in his work in such clear terms that we may quite well call these fugues poems. (…) These compositions exude warmth, quiet joy, and love. Running through each piece, disguised in various forms, is the main theme, creating order and binding the work together as a whole: it serves as a secure bond amidst its diversity. Over all lies the proximity of death.’ (Enzio Forsblom) In this new recording, Bach’s final magnum opus is played by Aapo Häkkinen on a harpsichord built in 1614 by Andreas Ruckers the Elder (1579–1652), which once belonged to the composer John Blow (1649–1708), organist of Westminster Abbey and former teacher of Henry Purcell. A tradition exists suggesting that G.F. Handel had also played this harpsichord.