Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Ralph Kirkpatrick :: The Complete 1950s Bach Recordings on Archiv [Box Set]

Ralph Kirkpatrick is due for revaluation

T. Dill | Santa Cruz, CA United States | 03/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a most welcome reissue that collects all of Kirkpatrick's Bach recordings from the 1950's on the Archiv label. Some may quibble about the authenticity of the instruments used (you have my sympathies), but for sheer expressive power, dynamic phrasing, creative use of registers, and perfect tempos, Kirkpatrick's hard to match. Some of my favorites from this collection are the Partitas, in particular the Sarabandes from the A minor and D major Partitas, with their suspenseful pauses and delicate melodies. The Andante from the Italian Concerto demonstrates a similar kind of power borne of restraint. Kirkpatrick, a transitional figure in the history of Bach recording, has been unfairly neglected IMO. This set should fix that."

Dynamic, Considered and Powerful Bach

Scott D. Harris | Chattanooga, TN | 11/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set of discs is a limited edition of J.S. Bach's English & French Suites, the Partitas, the French Overture, Italian Concerto, and several harpsichord concertos, notably Brandenburg No. 5.



The booklet notes discuss much of Kirkpatrick's life and study of Bach and place him correctly as one of the early transitional figures from the late 19th century sound to the HIP zenith of the late 1980's, though it would be a great exaggeration to call Kirkpatrick "HIP" in our sense of the word. He has a great sense of the timing and rhythm of Bach - he is unfailingly engaging and interesting. For these recordings, he used a harpsichord (constructed by the firm of J.C. Neupert) designed to be more like those of Bach's time than of his day. However, this 1950's-era replica of Bach's harpsichord in Kirkpatrick's hands conveys a power and varied sound notably absent from much of what is recorded today - a much sparer sound.



I was especially impressed with the stereo Partitas and concertos. The solo concertos, notable the French Overture, sometimes sound like string chamber orchestras, with a really different, full-bodied tone.



Get this limited edition while it remains available.



A word about the sound - half of this set was recorded in the mid-50;s in mono, though very clean and clear mono. The Partitas are all in dynamic, early stereo as are the concertos. No one should be put off by the sound here - these are all direct-to-disc transfers from the master tapes."

Very impressive and smart

James K. Hanson | Hudson, New York | 08/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the great privilege of hearing Ralph Kirkpatrick in recital when I was in college. Elderly, blind, infirm, he walked out to the harpsichord following a string that led him onto the stage. He seated himself, found middle C and proceeded to play a program of Scarlatti et al. that was phenomenal, leaping with supernatural accuracy between the two keyboards, reveling in the textures, making the harpsichord come alive. It was one of the most impressive and moving performances I have ever heard. This comprehensive set of Bach's keyboard pieces contains virtually all the important pieces aside from the Well Tempered Clavier, and it is, as the previous reviewer points out, an opportunity for us to reevaluate Kirkpatrick's contribution. I thought the recording seemed a bit too close, but at a suitably reduced volume level, this set is a real treat. Kirkpatrick was a pioneer of harpsichord playing, a great scholar whose biography of Scarlatti is a real musicological monument, and a persuasive, passionate musician. His recordings of the Well Tempered Clavier on the clavichord are also available, and are, in my opinion, even better."