J S BACH
Toccata in C Minor BWV 911
Partita No. 2 BWV 826
English Suite No. 2 in A minor BWV 807
Martha Argerich, piano
DG The Originals
463-604-2. 50m
ADD.
Crotchet
Amazon
UK (check amazon price - it had been placed at full price)
The superb and rare artistry of Martha Argerich is demonstrated in this
technically watertight collection of Bach recordings that appeared in the
middle of the 80's on a now legendary DG LP. The combination of rhythmic
verve and spellbinding Bachain intensity combine for a cocktail that should
enter the annals of pianistic legends. The martial 'Toccata' begins proceedings
in a big way and here I must show a marked preference to Argerich's thrilling
ebb and flow which keeps the music on a tightrope, clearly examining its
flexibility. We have had brilliant recordings of the 2nd Partita
recently, not least Angela Hewitt's marvelously secure display on Hyperion
but Argerich's thrilling virtuoso exhibition is in a class of ist own. Just
sample the central Courante for expressive richness and you would definitely
see Bach nodding in approval! In the 2nd English Suite, Argerich
is relaxed and genial but effortlessly projects the sublime richness of this
music. DG's recording is slightly dry but the new transfers have refurbished
the sound moderately well. But that is indeed a small price to pay in the
light of such fantastic music making.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
Harry Downey adds
There is a lot to be said for a respected brand name. The feeling of confidence
it gives the purchaser otherwise uncertain whether or not to hand over his
hard-earned money and, of course, the return to the business that has built
up the name over a long period. These thoughts are prompted by the Martha
Argerich CD for review, which is on the DGG Originals label with its familiar
yellow cartouche and the mock vinyl appearance to the disc inside. You know
where you are with this series even though its remit is now wider than when
the selection first began. This confidence is more than justified in this
latest offering from DG.
Martha Argerich is best known as a marvellous exponent of Chopin and the
late Romantics. Her recordings and performances of Bach have been limited
and this release - her only solo Bach recording - is one that has been around
the listings now for many years and it deserves to reach a fresh potential
audience. The immediate point that strikes one is the utter clarity of the
fingering - nowhere is there a trace of fudge - and her rhythmic drive that
involves the listener and sweeps him along. At times I thought I was listening
to Glenn Gould without the sing-along part.
Her approach is unmannered, lean - almost austere - and quite beguiling.
Her playing is masterly and the definition of the contrapuntal lines is always
clear. I know there is a view that Bach should not be heard on a piano if
a harpsichord is available but people who have that view should try this
disc. Just a sample of - for instance - the Rondeau in the Partita,
or the opening Prelude of the English Suite should
convince the undecided.
The recording is excellent - a considerable improvement on the original LP
as I recall it - and even at 50 minutes can be recommended with confidence.
Reviewer
Harry Downey
