Search - Kuhnau, Micheli :: Kuhnau: Neue Clavier-Übung, Vol. 1 (1689) / Micheli (Harpsichord)

Already waiting for Vol. 2!

G. Kaplan | 03/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The keyboard music by Johann Kuhnau (who was a cantor in St. Thomas in Leipzig till his death, replaced by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1722) should be known much better. The

"Frische Clavier-Fruchte" and the Biblical sonatas occured in some recordings and present a fascinating example of German keyboard music (with strong harmony and counterpoint) before Bach. The set of partitas (suites) "Neue Clavier Ubung" (Vol.1) given in the current CD is the first (to my knowledge) complete version of this volume of seven suites.

The music contains many strong movements, in particular

the preludes that open each suite (the preludes to number 1,4 and 6 are my favorites; number 1 is a tour de force of keyboard baroque music). In first hearing, maybe some of the dance movements are less appealing. However, an attentive listener will find a lot of interest. I enjoy in particular the calm and broad allemands (having some improvisational characteristics) and the slow (and short) sarabands. Gabrielle Micheli gives an excellent performance, including clever ornamentation in the repeats and nice changes of colour. The sound of the instrument is wonderful.

When could we listen to Vol. 2, which includes another seven suites? I wait impatiently!"