works in the repertory but also they have been recorded by the century's top fiddlers, from Heifetz, Milstein and Szigeti to Kremer and Grumiaux. Those versions offer more emotional and intellectual nourishment than Podger can offer, but the growing army of Bachians who insist on gut-stringed baroque instruments and period-style embellishments and phrasing will strongly disagree. Even traditionalists will admire her technical expertise, impeccable intonation and springy rhythms, among much else to enjoy on this fine disc. For example, the Preludio of the Partita No.3 that opens the disc bursts with joyous life and the Grave opening of the Sonata No.2 has a solemn depth that eludes so many period practitioners. If you enjoyed her first volume of the Sonatas and Partitas, you will love this one too, but do listen to the veterans mentioned above, for they remain supreme. --Dan Davis
works in the repertory but also they have been recorded by the century's top fiddlers, from Heifetz, Milstein and Szigeti to Kremer and Grumiaux. Those versions offer more emotional and intellectual nourishment than Podger can offer, but the growing army of Bachians who insist on gut-stringed baroque instruments and period-style embellishments and phrasing will strongly disagree. Even traditionalists will admire her technical expertise, impeccable intonation and springy rhythms, among much else to enjoy on this fine disc. For example, the Preludio of the Partita No.3 that opens the disc bursts with joyous life and the Grave opening of the Sonata No.2 has a solemn depth that eludes so many period practitioners. If you enjoyed her first volume of the Sonatas and Partitas, you will love this one too, but do listen to the veterans mentioned above, for they remain supreme. --Dan Davis
Advantages: Brilliant, stirring, excitingly unpredictable, fresh performance; "genius" is not hyperbole in Argerich's case. Disadvantages: Reflecting its LP origins, the CD lasts only 50' 16"!
...statement to the next, even within the very same phrase. You can’t help but give up and surrender completely to the emotional pull and richness of the music.
Her control of the keyboard is amazing. Following the emphatic introductory chords in the Grave.Adagio of the Partita’s Sinfonia, listen as Martha drops the volume precipitously, beginning the Andante in a whisper, her notes now light and perfectly balanced. The Sinfonia (Partita) and the Allemandes (Partita and English Suite) mesmerize in they way they gently wash over you like liquid waves. In contrast, she attacks the English Suite Bourées with a relish and vitality that’s positively infectious.
She commands your full attention from the first note to the last. She keeps things from growing monotonous and dull, something which can befall Bach’s works in lesser hands, given the somewhat...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Wonderful transcriptions of JS Bach's majestic music; sensitive, tender, vivacious, effortless and fluid playing. Disadvantages: Nil.
...Variata in A Minor (Italian Variations) BWV 989
7 Gigue from Violin Partita no 3. BWV1006
Trio Sonata in C Major BWV 529
8 Allegro
9 Largo
10 Allegro
Concerto in C minor (after Marcello) BWV 974:
11 Allegro
12 Largo
13 Presto
14 Bist du bei mir (from Anna Magdalena Notebook BWV 508)
Concerto in A major (transposed to C Major) BWV 1055:
15 Allegro
16 Larghetto
17 Allegro ma non tanto
18 Badinerie from Orchestral Suite no.2 BWV 1067
19 Agnus Dei from Mass in B minor BWV 232
Performers:
Alison Balsom (trumpets), Colm Carey (organ), Alina Ibragimova (violin), Alistair Ross (harpsichord & chamber organ), Mark Caudle (viola da gamba)
Total running time: 71' 31"
List Price:
$16.98
GBP13.99
(Of course, it can easily be had for less on many online stores. Just Google the disc name and artist.)
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The following information...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: If you like Bach, the piano or jazz you'll like it Disadvantages: Just the one tune that I don't care for
...Many Jazz musicians train their fingers by playing Bach in various styles and at various speeds - I played Bach not only for the training but because I liked the harmonies, chord changes and arpeggios. Jacques Loussier has taken playing Bach to an art form. I like this album only and NOT volume2.
The original Play Bach album contains most of bach's better known works such as His Toccata and Fugue, also the 1st and 2nd preludes and the 1st and 2nd fugues, hair on a G string (joke) and Jesu joy of man's desiring.
This really is a cracking album with the trio (including bass and drums) really jazzing up bach and playing some pieces with phenominal speed, cool showmanship and originality. It's a swinging, foot tapping, jazz party!
In my opinion there is only one song on this album that isn't brilliant and that is Jesu joy of man...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic
off topic 14.08.2000
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