Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Sviatoslav Richter :: J.S. Bach: Sonate; Toccata; Fantasie; Capriccio; Duette; Italienische Konzert

Richter in unfamiliar territory

Ryan Morris | Chicago, IL | 08/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am a Richter addict and this recital provides the late, contemplative Richter in several pieces(Bach Duets and Toccata's) that you will rarely if ever find elsewhere and it is also of interest to compare this Italian Concerto with his earlier account from the fifties. The recording quality is quite splendid and provides the listener with a very personal and revelatory chance to hear the late maestros tone-better revealed here than in almost any live richter recording I can think of. The third movement of the italian concerto is especially delightful with the closeness of the microphone providing the listener with tonal splenders unheard of in Bach and a spontaneity missing in Richters late studio recording of the piece. The duets are played in an odd manner-typical of Richter as are the Toccata's-though the Toccata are more successful with this contmeplative approach that, though different, is still wonderful for what he makes them. Richter proves once again that he, no matter the interpretation or the piece, is always of the utmost interest and sincerity. Strongly Recommended!"