Masaaki Suzuki is a renowned Japanese conductor, organist, harpsichordist, and educator, heralded for his expertise in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Born in Kobe in 1954, Suzuki founded the Bach Collegium Japan in 1990, a baroque orchestra and choir that has become esteemed for its historically informed performances of Bach and other Baroque composers. With a meticulous approach to authenticity, Suzuki has made significant contributions to the understanding and appreciation of Baroque music, especially through his comprehensive recordings of Bach's choral works.

Suzuki’s discography, especially his recordings with the Bach Collegium Japan for the BIS label, includes a highly acclaimed complete cycle of Bach's church cantatas which has received numerous accolades for their articulate expressiveness and luminous sound. His recent releases span a wide repertoire, showcasing not only his skill as an interpreter of Bach with albums like "J.S. Bach: Organ Works, Vol. 4" and "J.S. Bach: St. John Passion, BWV 245," but also his versatility with classical giants like Beethoven, as heard in "Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral' (Live)" and "Beethoven: Missa solemnis, Op. 123." A professor at the Yale School of Music and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music since 2009, Suzuki continues to influence the next generation of musicians while maintaining an active international performance and recording schedule.

Genres

Classical Performance

Harpsichord

Japanese Classical Performance

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Latest Release

J.S. Bach - The Vocal Works

Johann Sebastian Bach•

Masaaki Suzuki•

Bach Collegium Japan

Album - 42 Tracks - Released April 26, 2024