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Discussion: Bach: Werke für Cembalo - Leonhardt

Posts: 3

Post by canonical August 14, 2013 (1 of 3)
I don't have this ... but was just reading some very divergent reviews on Amazon (1 star and 5 star, respectively) of a related CD from which this material is drawn ... and listened to some samples there. And I must say that it seems a very dry, militaristic, mechanical, robotic approach to Bach.

Post by Claude August 15, 2013 (2 of 3)
A Zenph remake? ;-)

Post by Lute August 16, 2013 (3 of 3)
canonical said:

I don't have this ... but was just reading some very divergent reviews on Amazon (1 star and 5 star, respectively) of a related CD from which this material is drawn ... and listened to some samples there. And I must say that it seems a very dry, militaristic, mechanical, robotic approach to Bach.

The sound is a bit dry... Yes.

Although this SACD's sound is pretty good for a 1970 harpsichord recording, I wish they had transferred the master tapes directly to DSD as (if I am not mistaken) was done with Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier 1 & 2 - Gustav Leonhardt, whose sound is warmer, more open & natural. Instead this Warner Classics SACD was made from 24/96 transfers that were done by AUDIOCUT in London. I guess they had downloads in mind as well, which might be cheaper than this Japanese release. Nonetheless, I am happy with this SACD. If you like Leonhardt's WTC from the same time, you will most likely get pleasure from this release as well. However; playing time is short: 46:36. But..If you don't have the above WTC, then I would first recommend that SACD as a better place to experience Leonhardt's harpsichord playing in superior sound.

About the performance, I must confess that I am a big fan of Leonhardt. I like the clarity and dexterity of his playing. He was also capable of tender, heartfelt playing as can be heard in the Arioso & Adagissimo of BWV992 and of introspective feelings as in the Allemande of the Suite in e minor on this recording. Having said that, many feel that he was able to give his best in live performances. And... He was always open to new approaches to interpreting music.

Here is an interesting article:

http://www.bsherman.net/WTC.htm

Closed