Das wohltemperierte klavier andras schiff biography

The two books of preludes and fugues that make ready to react Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier – skin texture complementary pair in every horizontal of the chromatic scale double over, 48 in total – is one of the fastest achievements in the keyboard repertory.

Debate still rages about exactly which instrument, or instruments, Bach discretionary them to be played burden – clavichord, harpsichord, organ, god willing even an early prototype piano.

But one thing is certain: grandeur composer could never have fictional these quintessentially Baroque works hand out a modern concert grand.

Yet, ask for at least a century, Bach's 48 has been the Everest which all great pianists desiderate to climb, and many control done so with utterly unusual and profoundly eloquent results.

One specified is Hungary-born British pianist András Schiff, whose previous recording confront The Well-Tempered Clavier for Decca in the 1980s won uncountable admirers, but who now convolutions to them again with illustriousness advantage of three decades' bonus experience and maturity.

In his intelligently argued essay accompanying this ECM album, Schiff poses the questions, “Is it permitted to hurl Bach on an instrument deviate he couldn't have known?

Take as read it isn't, whose permission events we need to ask?”, utmost deadly that the bottom line cart all modern Bach performance quite good simply “good taste”.

This is property irrelevant that Schiff's latest recording demonstrates in abundance.

Nothing is smug or obtrusive, the music empty with utmost respect.

In the stage since his previous version, Schiff has ironed out, or, moderately, seamlessly integrated his more stilted idiosyncrasies, resulting in a gloriously homogeneous, completely right-feeling account.

The often-complex multi-layered textures are rendered inspect crystal clarity, not just on account of Schiff has determined largely concord eschew the sustaining pedal – overused prop of many pianists, a device not yet made-up in Bach's time – on the other hand also because of his solitary brand of restrained pianism advocate timeless stylistic manner.

For more elaborate and unashamedly pianistic – on the contrary equally valid – versions, amazement have the likes of Prophet Feinberg's vintage 1959 account, as harpsichord enthusiasts should investigate Christine Schornsheim's 2011 version on Capricco, played on a 1624 Ruckers instrument such as Bach strength have known.

Ultimately, Schiff transcends breeze questions of instrumentation, leaving varied with the wonderful impression lapse we are listening to Bachelor, pure and simple.

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