Recording
Bach X Mansfield
Liturina and Jonny Mansfield
Share this

FIRST PUBLISHED 23 FEB 2025
2025 has seen the release of Liturina's debut album, Bach X Mansfield. The disc is a unique and thrilling take on the concept of historical performance, blending the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach with contemporary jazz, on historical instruments. It comprises Bach’s two trio sonatas, BWV 1038 and BWV 1039, which are played alongside stunning new commissions by jazz musician and composer, Jonny Mansfield. ‘1038’ was composed ‘as a response’ to the original Bach and it ‘explores a space between specificity and ambiguity’. This was followed by a more extended work where each of the four movements uses a concept from child development: ‘mimic', ‘mirroring’, ‘protothought’ and ‘mover’. It is an enthralling combination of intellect and emotion in the face of towering musical inspiration, and a stunning example of Mansfield’s cerebral and soulful style.
Since the ensemble was founded, Liturina has been building a library of their own arrangements of baroque work; the album closes with one of these - the ebullient organ trio sonata BWV 525 (originally in E flat major), which joyously captures the spirit of exploration and innovation innate in these fascinating works.
Listen now to 'Bach X Mansfield' on Spotify and Apple Music or purchase the recording on Liturina's website.
This project was supported by a grant from Continuo Foundation
Supported by Continuo Foundation
Share this
Keep reading

Touching Bach: an immersive experience of the St John Passion
If we find a piece of music “touching”, it means it makes us feel something. But, like most metaphors, this one has a literal dimension, which becomes very evident when you dig into its history.

Playlist: Continuo Patrons
A playlist of tracks by Continuo Foundation Patrons Mary Bevan, Emma Kirkby, Rachel Podger and Ashley Solomon in celebration of the UN International Day of Charity.

The soundtrack of imagination: David Yardley and Green Dragon Guild of London
Medieval countertenor David Yardley, Artistic Director of Green Dragon Guild of London, discusses Medieval music, Southwark’s layered history, and how imagination and meticulous research meet in performance in our latest podcast.

