Jacques Loussier

The Profile

Jacques Loussier (1934–2019) was a French pianist and composer best known for the Play Bach trios, which recast J. S. Bach through jazz improvisation. He also wrote film and television scores and recorded extensively across several decades.

Founder of the long-running Play Bach project (from 1959), later reviving the trio and recording for Telarc; renowned for jazz interpretations of Bach and other composers; composed for cinema and TV, including Dark of the Sun and the series Thierry La Fronde.

A single, positive review covers Loussier’s 2006 Paris recording of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos with his trio. The approach strips orchestration to themes, pivoting to jazz improvisation with tight ensemble cohesion. The Fifth Concerto is singled out as the album’s centerpiece. It may irk Bach purists, but it’s recommended for open‑eared listeners.