COMPOSERS: Bach
LABELS: DG Originals
WORKS: English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807; Toccata in C minor, BWV 911; Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826
PERFORMER: Martha Argerich (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: 463 604-2 ADD Reissue (1980)
This is a thing of beauty. It is also a model of unusually pure piano-playing, with very little pedal and only occasional ‘agogics’ – the small delays which draw attention to a structural landmark. Argerich achieves character with great discipline, by varying her touch, by balancing sounds immaculately against each other, and by her irresistible sense of rhythm, so important in the dance movements of the Partita and Suite. Her buoyancy and alertness in the lively movements are almost alarming. And who else would dare make the Sarabande in the Partita so simple? You’ll feel years younger after listening. Adrian Jack
Bach: English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807; Toccata in C minor, BWV 911; Partita No. 2 in C minor, BWV 826
This is a thing of beauty. It is also a model of unusually pure piano-playing, with very little pedal and only occasional ‘agogics’ – the small delays which draw attention to a structural landmark. Argerich achieves character with great discipline, by varying her touch, by balancing sounds immaculately against each other, and by her irresistible sense of rhythm, so important in the dance movements of the Partita and Suite. Her buoyancy and alertness in the lively movements are almost alarming. And who else would dare make the Sarabande in the Partita so simple?
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 1:22 pm