DEFINITIVE RECORDINGS


J.S. BACH - CONCERTOS ITALIENS

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JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH - CONCERTOS ITALIENS - ALEXANDRE THARAUD JOUE BACH - ALEXANDRE THARAUD (Piano) - 794881765423 - HARMONIA MUNDI 901871

If, for some strange reason, I was told that I could only have one recording of Bach works performed on the piano, I would not hesitate in choosing this remarkable cd. Although this is an unusual program comprised mostly of concertos by Vivaldi and Marcello that Bach transcribed for organ or harpsichord, it is still a fascinating display of Baroque music and Bach at his best, writing keyboard music.

The clarity and lucidity of Alexandre Tharaud's playing, the fluid phrases, the brisk counterpoint, the beauty of tone, the perfect balance of voices, the dark human soul within the slow movements, everything, and I do mean everything, is done to perfection and then some. And rarely have I heard a piano sound this clear, focused, bass rich, full bodied, and perfectly balanced from top to bottom.

All of Tharaud's interpretations have been impressive, and the same goes for this one. Now if, for some strange reason, you were told that you could only have one recording of Bach works performed on the piano, I would say choose this remarkable CD.

Jean-Yves Duperron