The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II, BWV 846–893
Johann Sebastian Bach
BWV 846–893
Andras Schiff /
mid-1980sGil's top recommendation to start with. A 'natural interpretation' that isn't flashy. Praised for its 'wonderful balance, beautiful tone, wonderfully poised,' and 'well-proportioned' playing, calling it an 'excellent way to get to know the work.'
Sviatoslav Richter /
early 1970sThe 'more individual' alternative, 'oozing with artistry and personality.' It's exciting, probing, and features 'wonderful contrasts' and 'wonderful dynamics.' Gil notes the sound is 'a little bit fuzzy.'
Angela Hewitt /
2008Similar to Schiff's 'natural' approach. A 'delicate, sensitive interpretation' with 'wonderful tone' and 'sumptuously recorded' sound that 'allows the greatness of the music to come out.'
Tatiana Nikolaeva /
1984A 'very strong,' 'clear,' and 'somewhat assertive' performance that is also 'sensitive and artistic' and allows the work's logic to shine. Very good sound quality.
Kenneth Gilbert /
1983A 'natural,' 'straightforward,' and artistic harpsichord version that isn't flashy. It has a 'beautiful sound, just very full and nice and deep' that lets you 'luxuriate' in the music.
Helmut Walcha /
early 1970sDescribed as 'granitic' and 'disciplined' (like Klemperer). It's a bit slower, with a 'mesmerizing effect,' 'relentless artistry,' and 'concentrated, really wonderful interpretation.'
Wanda Landowska /
late 1940s/early 1950sAn 'iconic' version that is 'illuminating,' 'insightful,' 'disciplined,' and 'imaginative.' The sound is better than her 30s recordings but still 'somewhat dim, somewhat clangy.'
Samuel Feinberg /
late 1950s/early 1960sGil's potential 'if I had to choose one go-to version.' The sound is dim, but the interpretation is 'wonderful,' with 'romantically phrased,' 'warm, flexible tempos' and 'great musical judgment.'
Edwin Fischer /
1930sAn 'old gramophone classic' in the romantic tradition. It's a 'real tour de force of fingerwork virtuosity,' playing some parts 'really fast,' but also showing 'wonderful delicacy and use of color and imagination.' Sound is 'fairly clear' but has hiss.