Search - Bach, Gieseking :: Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

Spontaneous, Profound, Lively Bach

Timothy Dougal | Madison, Wi United States | 10/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a 3-CD set of Bach's complete Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II. (Disc 2 contains 21-24 of Bk. I and 1-10 of Bk. II, but it makes a curiously satisfying straight-through listening experience.) Gieseking recorded these for the Saar Radio in 1950. I considered deducting a star for the sound quality, but the playing is so good, often really surprising, that over the last 10 years it has become one of my most beloved recordings, and it's hard to believe DG doesn't keep it in print and improve the sonic deficiencies. In any case, these are unforgettable Bach performances, worth hearing, having and keeping!"

Gieseking and the pickardy third!

S. M. Clark | Petaluma, CA | 04/12/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sound quality is not an issue - 1950 for a radio broadcast is more than passable. Piano vs. harpsichord (or other Baroque keyboard inst.) is not an issue - Richter and Gould among others come to mind. Even an odd penchant for increasing the tempo in many of the performances can be overlooked with a little effort. But what is absolutely inexcusable is Gieseking's almost total disregard for Bach's cadential pickardy third in many of the minor key preludes and fugues. I haven't listened to both books yet so I don't know if it's across the board or not but I can't understand his motivation. I have the verlag editions of these works and there is *no doubt* about Bach's intentions. This is not up to the performer's discretion. When there is a major triad written a major triad should be performed. So: 4 stars instead of 5..."