'The genesis for this recording began in 2000, the year commemorating the 250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death, when I began concert tours dedicated exclusively to his music. I chose this repertoire carefully, including many of the genres in which Bach so skillfully composed. For students, I included selections from Anna Magdalena's Notebook, Preludes and Fugues, and a variety of Inventions. For the more sophisticated listener, I chose the Italian Concerto, the French Suite, the Toccata and the Fantasy. Representing the religious aspect of Bach's life, I have selected cherished arrangements of ' Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' and 'Sheep May Safely Graze' . From the simple to the sublime, the intellectual genius and emotional profundity of Bach is apparent in each work.' Dr. Mark Laverty 'Dr. Mark Laverty is a pianist worth watching...' Dr. Ruth Slenczynska, Concert Pianist, New York, New York. 'Like Bach, Dr. Laverty is of Lutheran background. Combined with his profession of being an organist for the Lutheran Church, Mark has developed a profound affinity for Bach's music that has benefited him in developing a unique style of interpreting the music.' Stan Ford, Professor, Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria. 'Mark Laverty is an accomplished pianist with a fine repertoire of Bach music. He brings a great deal of warmth and personality to his performances. His concert was thoroughly enjoyed in Cambridge.' Rev. Reg Quirk, Chairman Evangelical Lutheran Church of England, Cambridge, England.
