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English Suites BWV 807, 809, 810
Murray Perahia (Piano)
Perahia’s Bach |
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Donald Satz wrote (January 30, 1999):
Sony has released the 2nd disc of Murray Perahia's interpretations of Bach's English Suites. This 2nd disc has nos. 2,4, and 5. The recorded sound is superb, as it was for the first disc.
Not unexpected, Perahia is always "right on the money." Tempos, inflections, rubato, and intonation are perfect. Good taste just leaps out of the speakers.
Yet, although satisfied, I was never moved by Perahia's versions. I felt that I'd heard it all before. As an example, hearing the beginning of the 2nd English Suite, my mind wandered to the Woody Allen movie, Crimes and Misdemeanors. Sometimes, I thought of Schiff's recordings on London. I simply did not find anything truely distinctive or unique.
To be sure, this is fine Bach by a master pianist. I'll keep listening with the hope that distinctive treasures are there to be found. If that does not happen, I still have an expert set which is one notch above the set by Schiff. |
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Feedback to the Review |
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Philippa Greenwood wrote (January 31, 1999):
Just a very quick comment on "Bach Pianists".
I discovered a pianist - Angela Hewitt. I do not know very much about her except that she is Canadian-born and has won a Bach competition recently.
The CD is of the 6 Partitas for the Piano by JS Bach (Hyperion Records).
What a wonderful performer! I really enjoyed Partita #1 in B flat ----- it is my favourite at the moment.
Her tone is warm and articulation clear. Anyone who has played Bach knows that the even semiquaver passages can be problematic. What I like best is that I feel that her interpretation is "just what the piece should be". Her warmth and empathy demonstrated towards Bach's works is what leaves a lasting impression.
I do not wish to put her name forward as better than Murray Perahia, I simply wanted to add her name to the list of pianists who deserve attention. |
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Henk van Tuiji wrote (January 31, 2001):
Donald Satz wrote:
< To be sure, this is fine Bach by a master pianist. I'll keep listening with the hope that distinctive treasures are there to be found. If that does not happen, I still have an expert set which is one notch above the set by Schiff. >
Not Schiff, please. An excellent pianist - no, more! far more! - when playing Bartok. But so utterly and so boringly polished in all other recordings. Pereiha is an introvert. The countless nuances are almost imperceptible, but they are there - more than you ever could imagine ... Just take your time. |
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English Suites BWV 806-811 : Details
Recordings: Until 1950 | 1951-1960 | 1961-1970 | 1971-1980 | 1981-1990 | 1991-2000 | 2001-2010
Comparative Review: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
Reviews of Individual Recordings: English - A. Hewitt | English - M. Perahia Vol. 2 | English - P. Watchorn | W. Rübsam - Part 4
General Discussions: Part 1 |
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Murray Perahia : Short Biography | Recordings of Instrumental Works
Reviews of Instrumental Recordings: Perahia’s Bach | More Bach from Murray Perahia |
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