For Schumann, Bach was the supreme benchmark. He saw in his great predecessor not merely a genius of the past, but a vital source for his art, and sought both inspiration and psychological stability in Bach's music. Schumann paid tribute to his mentor in many different ways: writing chorales and fugues like Bach, borrowing his themes, or playing on the four notes which form his name, B-A-C-H. This programme [being considered for BBC Music Magazine Choice], recorded on an Érard piano with an ideal timbre, is played by a passionate admirer of these two masters of the keyboard. Andreas Staier studied the piano and the harpsichord in Hanover and Amsterdam.As harpsichordist of the ensemble Musica Antiqua Köln, between 1983 and 1986, he undertook a series of international concert tours that took him all over the world. Since 1986 Andreas Staier has pursued a career as a freelance soloist and has earned an outstanding reputation as both harpsichordist and fortepianist. In the field of chamber music he has had long and fruitful partnerships with such internationally renowned artists as Christoph Prégardien, Fabio Biondi and René Jacobs. He regularly appears as a soloist in concerto repertoire with ensembles including Concerto Köln, the Freiburger Barockorchester, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, and the Orchestre des Champs Elysées.Andreas Staier has made numerous CD recordings and many of which have been distinguished by international awards.

"he is one of the most important pianists of our times. He is a player of exceptional insight and vigour, yet with an agility and wit that make hearing him a constant delight." The Independent