Bach: English Suites Nos. 2, 4 & 5 / Perahia

The present release completes Murray Perahia's survey of Bach's six English Suites. Pianistically speaking, there's much to admire: the unruffled sonority, pinpointed technique, and an ability to spin luminous textures through fingerwork and hand balances alone, eschewing the sustain pedal. Perahia's fluent left hand may not match the rhythmic resilience of Glenn Gould's, nor do his ornaments sing out with the improvisatory confidence András Schiff brings to his equally colorful, but more measured, readings. By the same token, Perahia's perfectly judged tempos honor the music's dance origins. Yet there's a studied, self-conscious quality to the pianist's choices regarding color and articulation, brought on by his frequent telegraphing of a textural shift via slight ritards or little holdbacks at cadential points. After a while, one can predict these before they occur. Still, only a genuine master can play this well. One hopes Perahia's preoccupation with Bach is not a temporary fancy. --Jed Distler Amazon.com

Perahia's remarkable Bach

Having been a Murray Perahia enthusiast for many, many years, I was quite pleased when he began recording the keyboard works of Johann Sebastian Bach in the 1990s. This release of the English Suites Nos. 2,4 and 5 is at the top of my list of favorite Perahia Bach cds. These are graceful, artistic performances that mark the pianist as a JSB interpreter of the highest order. While displaying an abundance of impeccable technique, there is also a depth of feeling conveyed that reminds me of some of his finest Mozart recordings; there is a very definite connection with the music going on here. Listeners are also treated to a wonderfully pristine digital sound from Perahia's label, Sony Classical.
Given the level of artistry Murray Perahia has achieved in his nearly four decade career, it is no wonder that he should be considered one of the finest Bach pianists of his generation. The proof is in the hearing. Give yourself a chance to hear this splendid cd at your very earliest convenience. You will not be disappointed! February 20, 2008

The definitive performance

Murray Perahia is to the English Suites as Glenn Gould is to the Goldberg Variations. This is a thoughtful interpretation of Bach's carefully wrought structure with each voice given a crystalline presence. There are no fireworks, no bravado, just the pure heart of the music. March 16, 2007

Moderate Bach

As the title of my review suggests, the performances featured here take a very middle-of-the-road approach: neither the frenetic rhythmicity of Gould, nor the relatively lyrical Bach by Kempff and others. They are entirely convincing. I find other performers' Bach sound cerebral, putting too much effort into consciously emphasising the different voices. (This pretty much sums up what I have to say about Hewitt's recently released recording of the suites, actually)
Perahia plays with pleasing rhythmic drive, the utmost clarity and a natural sense for the dynamics of the pieces. Along with his recording of the other suites, I highly recommend this as a starting set of English Suites. Only then wound I consider getting Gould's set. But then, others might insist that for them, it must be Gould, and I wouldn't argue with that. March 2, 2004

Perahia....

Perahia's mastery of Bach is in his subtulty. He never gets in the way of Bach's music. Many performancers of Bach tend to force their personalities upon the music, which is alright if you want very eclectic recordings, but for pure sound and understanding, Perahiah is where it is at.
One of the most impressive abilities of Perahia in this album is the fact that he brings out each voice so clearly, yet always keeps everything in balance. His tone is very pure and clear, but never too staccato and detatched, as some pianists play Bach, or is never too heavy on pedal, which is something I have heard as well.
I would definatly recommend this recording. It is solid, and very deep. Bach at his best. March 5, 2003

Perahia understands Bach.

A compelling and sparkling recording, that captivates and grows on you, like all good Bach interpretations. Although not on a harpsichord, Perahia fully masters and comprehends the "authentic" creative world of JS Bach. Unlike some Gould extravaganzas, the interpreter here is totally subservient to the music. Perahia's rendition brings to light both the joy and the (strive for the) religious sublime that permeates these compositions, something that is often missing in many a too "virtuosic" interpretation. October 30, 1999

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