Search - J.S. Bach, Gieseking :: 6 Partitas

Unforgettable, Fleet and Fresh Bach

Timothy Dougal | Madison, Wi United States | 12/22/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This set contains all of Bach's keyboard partitas on the first 79 minute disc, and a selection of other material, including a 1940 rendition of the 'Italian Concerto'. The sound could be better, but the playing could not. It's a pity that Gieseking's 'Well Tempered Clavier' or his 'Goldberg Variations' don't seem to be around, because for me, Gieseking's Bach is Bach. Or maybe, more precisely, when I'm listening to his Bach, I feel I am hearing what was in Bach's mind when he wrote his magnificent music. It's difficult to describe how freshly and spontaneously the notes pour from Gieseking's fingers. It almost sounds as though he's making this incredibly complex music up, and having a lot of fun while he does it. Virtuosic Bach with a wink and a smile, anyone?"