Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 4 | Johann Sebastian Bach, Murray Perahia, ...

Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 4 | Johann Sebastian Bach, Murray Perahia, ... | Wonderful, but don't forget Hae-won Chang

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Bach: Keyboard Con...

	Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 4 Johann Sebastian Bach, Murray Perahia, ... Sony, 2001 average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

This disc may not prove as indispensable as Perahia's splendid Goldberg Variations. The most trivial reason is that it doesn't have as much music on it (only 53:04). But the appeal may also be not as wide. The Goldberg performance encompasses as wide a range of expression as the music does--which is really saying something! This concerto disc is more uniform in style, thoroughly modern and generally rather hard-driving. Perhaps the tension was generated by the interplay of pianist-conductor and orchestra, but it's palpable throughout. This does keep your attention riveted on the music, although it leaves some aspects of Bach unexpressed. If you're willing to go along for the ride, though, the disc does have a lot to offer. Perahia's execution is superb, and he decorates the text with his own trills and embellishments in a very convincing way. The orchestra keeps things moving right along. This may be a somewhat one-sided approach to Bach, but it certainly is stimulating. --Leslie Gerber

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Sparkling Wit

Of course Perhaia is a great pianist and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is a great ensemble. But here I believe we get more than just the sum of the two. I was fortunate to hear a concert of Perhaia and St. Martin in the Fields here in Ann Arbor and they performed the first of these concertos. I have to tell you that the piece is so full of wit and fun that I chuckled out loud (softly).

You know that you have great musicians performing when they have so much command and understanding of what they are playing that they are willing to tell the musical jokes (witty jokes) with subtlety and grace. This is wonderful stuff.

The playing is tight, with the players listening to each other in ways that are too often ignored in larger ensemble pieces. Imitations and joint phrases are actually pulled off like they are in a string quartet. Yes, the Academy is a smaller orchestra that usually performs without a conductor so they are used to ensemble playing. This is just proof that they have accomplished what they set out to do. An chamber orchestra that plays as if it were a single musical instrument with almost endless musical colors and capabilities.

The other two concertos are just as great and fun as the first. There is also a companion disk with 3,5,6, and 7. So, there is even more to enjoy!

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Wonderful, but don't forget Hae-won Chang

Mr Perahia is never short of wonderful, but those of us who love music but baulk at full price should consider the two Hae-won Chang discs of Bach keyboard concertos on Naxos. Miss Chang is always inventive, always musical - she plays like an angel - and the eastern European orchestra is supportive and fresh. Mr Perahia is, simply, one of the great pianists but Hae-won's Bach is just fabulous (too).

this is very-very good

First of all, it is a speechless joint effort of the creator of the music and the presenter of the product from 100s of years ago, which sounds like it will glow forever.
Last of all
I cannot say any thing more but listen.
emil
from Middle East

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Masterful

Like all the other reviewers below, this recording has me singing its praise. Perahia's playing is stunning and St Martin in the Fields delivers a beautiful sound. This cd (and the second set) is well worth your money. Also, if you enjoy Bach's Brandenberg Concertos, listen to his 6th Keyboard Concerto - it is the 4th Brandenberg Concerto for piano.

Bach: Keyboard concertos No.1,2,4 with Murray Perahia

This is Perahia at his best. I have heard performances of these works countless times but no one, as far as my memory goes, comes near this rendition. Perahia gives you pure Bach, the way J.S. must have conceived it, adding to the text his own, very individual touch with all the notes rounded and formed,even during the fastest passages I can hardly wait for the CD containing the other four concerti.

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reviews: page 1, 2

Tracks
Allegro | Adagio | Allegro | Allegro | Siciliano | Allegro | Allegro | Larghetto | Allegro ma non tanto

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