J.S. Bach: Toccata, Partita, English Suite 2/ Martha Argerich

A lot of pianophiles have been waiting for the reissue of this 1980 LP, Argerich's only Bach recording. She played the same Partita at her Carnegie Hall recital in the Spring of 2000, suggesting that she just doesn't play much Bach. These performances have the pianist's typical intensity of approach. Her fingers do the talking, with some dazzling clear articulation reminiscent of Glenn Gould on a good day, and she seldom blurs any of the textures. She also has a very good feeling for Bach's dance rhythms; the closing Gigue of the Partita makes you want to jump up and put on your dancing shoes. Argerich uses an unusually wide dynamic range for Bach, and some of the dreamy slow movements won't be to the taste of all listeners. Nobody, though, will be able to ignore these performances; while they are playing, they seem like the only way to do it. The 1980 sound is still fine, and although the disc is LP length (50 minutes), the price is right. --Leslie Gerber Amazon.com

INEFFABLE!

Do you like Glenn Gould's Bach? So listen to what Martha can do baby...

Ms. Argerich, you rule! March 13, 2008

Good approach - alternatives to Gould, Pogorelich

I was really looking forward tolisteing to this recording after have read the glowing reviews. What was really nice to hear was that she, in my mind, gets it when it comes to playing Bach. Too many pianists are tied up in the conventional, romantics, pianistic repertoire, making it hard for them to emulate the harpsichord:ish approach needed for Bach where schwung and clear polyphony is neeed to make the works sing. Gould was really the first to take this approach to the n:th degree, and he still in my mind reins supreme, even after hearing Argerich.
Still, it's good to see Argerich approach to Bach. Another good example is Ivo Pogorelich's English suites recording - these three make the ultimate English suites suit;-). Well, Andras Schiff qualifies too, but forget about Hewitt, Pires and Perahia - too much of the smeared out, pianistic, approach for me.

Ivo has excellent flow, Argerich provides great voice articulation and Gould is the swingiest with a tour de force on uptempo bounce and unrivaled microtempi precision. Play the English Suite No 2 Gigue side by side and you'll understand. October 20, 2007

MARTHA IS THE BEST !!!

Martha Argerich is the best pianist I ever heard... This Bach's works are excellent.. I enjoyed this record !!! Applause !!! September 13, 2007

No hummer

Do you think humming along with your piano playing is charming? If not try this recording by Martha Agerich--just the right amount of sostenuto. Also for the Partitas--Richard Goode is a must-have. July 22, 2007

Kevin Lee

She was so wonderful. I highly recommend it to anyone is learning or being interested in Bach keyboard work. February 20, 2007

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