It’s funny how the Internet works. I had listened to Till Fellner’s wonderful Bach: Inventions & French Suite V (reviewed yesterday) and noticed that Fellner also recorded Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I. So I checked AMAZON and I found a number of postings saying the best version of Bach’s great work was done by Edward Aldwell. So, of course, I had to buy Aldwell’s set with the pouty cover. Only Book II was available since Nonesuch Records discontinued Aldwell’s Book I (which sells for $999 used on AMAZON!). After listening to Aldwell’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II, I’d have to say it’s good, but something is missing. I can’t put my finger on it. It’s not radical like Gould or dry like Schiff or insouciant like Angela Hewitt. Maybe it’s a bit too distant for my taste. I’m going to try Fellner’s version some day soon, but not right away. Some of you must think this is becoming a Bach blog. I’ve just been in a Bach mood lately. But, fear not. I’ll be reviewing a book or DVD tomorrow. GRADE: B+
For whatever reason, my brain always reads that title as The Well-Tempered Clavicle.
The Yankee pitchers need to develop their “well-tempered clavicles.”
I heard Aldwell perform Bach about the time the Nonesuch CDs came out. Maybe the most clinker-filled piano performance I’ve heard from a professional pianist. I didn’t warm up to the CDs either, and based on that concert, I’m forced to suspect the problem with the recorded performances was a combination of excessive caution and lots of editing. Aldwell died in 2006 after an ATV accident(!)
Do you have a favorite performance of WTC, Art? I haven’t found one that’s captivated me. Aldwell’s WTC left me cold despite the rave reviews on AMAZON. What a bizarre way for Aldwell to die!
My favorite is Arthur Loesser on an old LP set which I doubt has made it to CD. There’s always Glenn Gould, of course. Of recent recordings, Sergey Schepkin.
Arthur Loesser is on CD so I ordered it. And so is Sergey Schepkin. I ordered that, too. I told Diane I’m stimulating the economy. Thanks for the recommendations!