Bach: Six Partitas, BWV 825-830

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Bach wrote his keyboard partitas when his career as a church musician had gone wrong. They became the foundation for a massive composite work in which he explored every aspect of the 18th-century precursor to the piano. But how--and on what--should they be played today? The jury is out, and will stay out forever. That's why it's such a pleasure to compare approaches, and why there's no such thing as a "best buy." Go back to 1952, courtesy of the Music and Arts label, and listen to Ralph Kirkpatrick's graceful recordings: as the granddaddy of all modern Bach players, he's still got a lot to offer. Then check out Richard Goode's superb piano version to see how the big modern instrument can, in expert hands, still replicate the earlier instrument's understated charms. And now listen to Trevor Pinnock, rapidly emerging as our premier harpsichordist, whose new version of the partitas must be one of the most compelling ever made. Nobody gets such a luxurious range of color from the instrument or extracts such full-blooded drama. His tempi are on the fast side, and they whirl along when Bach hints that the brakes can be taken off. Here is real virtuosity in the noblest of causes. --Michael Church

Bach: Six Partitas, BWV 825-830, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, Trevor Pinnock, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Keyboard, Suite/Partita for Keyboard
Bach: The Six Partitas / Angela Hewitt
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Another Amazing Angela Album
  • Good work without much personality
  • One woman and a piano...
  • Superb Performances of Sublime Music
Bach: The Six Partitas / Angela Hewitt
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Angela Hewitt
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Bach: French Suites / Angela Hewitt
  2. Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2
  3. Bach: Fantasia in C minor; Two-Part Inventions; Three-Part Inventions; Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue
  4. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier (book 1)
  5. Bach: The Toccatas

ASIN: B000003012
Release Date: 1997-05-09

Tracks:

  1. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825: Praeludium
  2. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825: Allemande
  3. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825: Corrente
  4. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825: Sarabande
  5. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825: Menuet I - Menuet II - Menuet I da capo
  6. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825: Giga
  7. Partita No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 826: Sinfonia: Grave adagio - Andante - Allegro
  8. Partita No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 826: Allemande
  9. Partita No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 826: Courante
  10. Partita No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 826: Sarabande
  11. Partita No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 826: Rondeaux
  12. Partita No. 2 In C Minor, BWV 826: Capriccio
  13. Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Ouverture - Allegro
  14. Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Allemande
  15. Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Courante
  16. Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Aria
  17. Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Sarabande
  18. Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Menuet
  19. Partita No. 4 In D Major, BWV 828: Gigue

Tracks:

  1. Partita No. 3 in A Minor BWV 827: Fantasia
  2. Partita No. 3 in A Minor BWV 827: Allemande
  3. Partita No. 3 in A Minor BWV 827: Corrente
  4. Partita No. 3 in A Minor BWV 827: Sarabande
  5. Partita No. 3 in A Minor BWV 827: Burlesca
  6. Partita No. 3 in A Minor BWV 827: Scherzo
  7. Partita No. 3 in A Minor BWV 827: Gigue
  8. Partita No. 5 in G Major BWV 829: Praeambulum
  9. Partita No. 5 in G Major BWV 829: Allemande
  10. Partita No. 5 in G Major BWV 829: Corrente
  11. Partita No. 5 in G Major BWV 829: Sarabande
  12. Partita No. 5 in G Major BWV 829: Tempo di Minuetta
  13. Partita No. 5 in G Major BWV 829: Passepied
  14. Partita No. 5 in G Major BWV 829: Gigue
  15. Partita No. 6 in E Minor BWV 830: Toccata - (Fugue)
  16. Partita No. 6 in E Minor BWV 830: Allemande
  17. Partita No. 6 in E Minor BWV 830: Corrente
  18. Partita No. 6 in E Minor BWV 830: Air
  19. Partita No. 6 in E Minor BWV 830: Sarabande
  20. Partita No. 6 in E Minor BWV 830: Tempo di Gavotta
  21. Partita No. 6 in E Minor BWV 830: Gigue

Amazon.com

Sometimes it helps not to specialize. As Angela Hewitt expands her horizons beyond Bach, her Bach, paradoxically, has ripened tenfold, as revealed in this magnificent set of partitas. One listens in vain for a single slip-up in timing or voicing. Articulation is marvelously varied, but never for the sake of variety itself. More to the point, the music's dancelike subtexts bring out a more deeply felt, emotionally three-dimensional music-making than encountered in Hewitt's previous Bach efforts. This gifted pianist has come into her own. Hear her. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Another Amazing Angela Album.......2007-07-19

Ms. Hewitt has once again managed to blow us away with another stunning perfect interpretation of Bach's Partitas. This is an excellent record for anyone learning Bach (especially those having problems with phrasing and counterpoint) or simply for enjoyment.

3 out of 5 stars Good work without much personality.......2005-07-12

This was one of the first collections of Bach's Partitas I purchased on CD, having been promoted by British critics. Hewitt's playing in this music is linear, inoffensive, crystalline and lacking in personality. These are good performances but I don't believe this pianist is the final word in this music. The sound on these full priced CDs is fine.

I've tested a number of individual performances (Argerich, Pires, Wolf Harden, Anderszewski,others) and complete sets (Glenn Gould, Richard Goode, Andras Schiff, Roselyn Turek and Christopher Sager on piano and Igor Kipnis & Trevor Pinnock on harpsichord, Richard Troeger on clavichord) and have found some of the same shortcomings in all the sets or CDs recorded individually. A newer set by Craig Sheppard has gotten universally good reviews by U.S. critics; I haven't heard it.

In particular, Gould can be impatient and is poorly recorded part of the time. Sager is the epitome of blandness and Goode is not far behind. Turek is a unique voice in Bach and anything she does should be given utmost consideration. Her recordings of the Partitas contain all her typical characteristics -- deliberate approach, heightened elocution and near new discovery of the counterpoint. However, her approach is not always dynamic and will not suit all tastes.

On harpsichord, Pinnock's recordings are fascinating but don't wear well over time because they all sound so much alike. Only Kipnis, it seems to me, understands the difference between each Partita and how to project those differences in Bach's individual voice and humanity. Of the sets I've tested, his comes closest to portraying the unique qualities of the each of the six Partitas. Troeger's clavichord recording is a disaster -- slavishly metrical, unimaginative and ugly sounding.

I continue to cling to individual favorites (see my past reviews) including Elena Kuschnerova's fabulous performance of the titantic Partita No. 6, Gould's remarkable performance of Partita No. 4 and the unbelieveable performance of the Partita No. 1 by Dubravka Tomsic, included in a dirt cheap CD that I called "Best Bach CD on the Planet" in my Amazon review. It is a crime more people don't know about this remarkable CD, which is available for $4.98.

I hope a piano set arrives someday that mimics some of the individual creativity from Kipnis with the drama of Kuschnerova and uncanny musical understanding of Tomsic. Until that time, I wouldn't recommend you spend the better part of $30 for this collection, although this one better than overrated groupings by Richard Goode and Andras Schiff.

5 out of 5 stars One woman and a piano..........2004-03-31

I first heard Angela Hewitt playing Bach on the radio, and immediately sought out a recording. This is what I ended up with, and months later it is still revealing new riches. The music, of course, is vast and rich, and Hewitt breathes life into every note. This is not the cold mathematical playing that some advocate for Bach (and that his music survives), this is Bach that sings and dances, contemplates and exults. Try this out if you want to hear how one slender woman, a piano, and a long dead composer can collaborate to create an entire world.

5 out of 5 stars Superb Performances of Sublime Music.......2003-07-12

It is amazing that Bach's Partitas are the first compositions that he published, though he had written hundreds of others before them. It is also sobering that he had to pay for their publication, as he did for many of the 12 works that were published in his lifetime. [About 1080 compositions have survived, but it is thought that Bach probably wrote about 2000.]

These pieces are among the best of Bach's keyboard works and are played beautifully by Angela Hewitt. I enjoy hearing them played on harpsichord, too, but when they are played on the piano, I want the performer to treat it like a piano as Ms Hewitt does.

She plays stylistically, but is not afraid to occasionally use the pedal and to use the dynamic resources of the piano. I also recommend her set of French Suites.
Bach: Six Partitas / Richard Troeger
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Unappealing and unimaginative
  • A master work, great performance, wrong instrument.
  • An absolute "must-have"
Bach: Six Partitas / Richard Troeger
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Richard Troeger (performer)
Manufacturer: Lyrichord Discs Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. J.S. Bach: The Seven Toccatas
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  3. Art of Fugue/Violin Transcriptions/Fantasias (Bach on Clavichord Vol. 4)

ASIN: B00000JCG6
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

  1. Partita #1 in b flat: Praeludium
  2. Partita #1 in b flat: Allemande
  3. Partita #1 in b flat: Corrente
  4. Partita #1 in b flat: Sarabande
  5. Partita #1 in b flat: Menuet 1; Menuet 2; Menuet 1 (Repeated)
  6. Partita #1 in b flat: Giga
  7. Partita #2 in c: Sinf
  8. Partita #2 in c: Allemande
  9. Partita #2 in c: Courante
  10. Partita #2 in c: Sarabande
  11. Partita #2 in c: Rondeaux
  12. Partita #2 in c: Capriccio
  13. Partita #4 in D: Ov
  14. Partita #4 in D: Allemande
  15. Partita #4 in D: Courante
  16. Partita #4 in D: Aria
  17. Partita #4 in D: Sarabande
  18. Partita #4 in D: Menuet
  19. Partita #4 in D: Gigue

Tracks:

  1. Partita #3 in a: Fant
  2. Partita #3 in a: Allemande
  3. Partita #3 in a: Corrente
  4. Partita #3 in a: Sarabande
  5. Partita #3 in a: Burlesca
  6. Partita #3 in a: Scherzo
  7. Partita #3 in a: Gigue
  8. Partita #5 in G: Praeambulum
  9. Partita #5 in G: Allemande
  10. Partita #5 in G: Corrente
  11. Partita #5 in G: Sarabande
  12. Partita #5 in G: Tempo Di Minuetta
  13. Partita #5 in G: Passepied
  14. Partita #5 in G: Gigue
  15. Partita #6 in e: Toccata
  16. Partita #6 in e: Allemande
  17. Partita #6 in e: Corrente
  18. Partita #6 in e: Air
  19. Partita #6 in e: Sarabande
  20. Partita #6 in e: Tempo Di Gavotta
  21. Partita #6 in e: Gigue

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Unappealing and unimaginative.......2006-07-13

This was the first recording of Bach's Partitas on clavichord, a historic instrument that preceded the more well known (and well liked) harpsichord.

I was skeptical that another period induced performer using this instrument could add much to this repertory. So I eschewed this recording until I could locate it on sale in a discount store.

What strikes me most about Troeger's progression through Bach's great Partitas is this:

1. He is slavishly metrical and almost completely unimaginative. Except for Partita 4, which I will explain shortly, he shows almost no imagination in any of these works.

2. The sound of his instrument, a clavichord, is clangy and becomes nearly unbearable in louder moments, which are many because Troeger shows little repose as he goes through the pages of the music.

3. For a period performer, Troeger does not seem to me to use much Baroque style. His ornaments are few and not as well placed as I've heard on the better harpsichord collections I have heard by Kipnis and Pinnock.

The signature of this collection is the overwhelmingly unappealing sound of his instrument, which is akin to a string guitar being struck by a hammer. When you combine this with Troeger's relatively humorless and lifeless metrical performances, where rubato and vibrato are apparently the enemies, this collection is not very memorable in a positive way.

The one Partita where Troeger differentiates from this pattern is the wonderful Partita No. 4. However, his performance here in terms of tempo, rubato and emotion is an exact duplication of Glenn Gould's performance from the early 1960s. I know what Gould has to say in this music. I've heard other good performance including Weissenberg. I'd like to know what Troeger has to say, too, but he seems only to have what Gould had to say.

As for the reamining pieces, Troeger almost completely misses the mystery, humanity and wonder that other performers (especially pianists like Turek, Gould, Tomsic and others) find in this music. The boxy and thunderous sound of his instrument is often worsened in slow movements by Troeger's tendency to continue pounding away over the gentlest of Bach's messages.

With the exception of the Partita 4, Troeger almost never demonstrates any subtlety in this music. Perhaps that is an outcome of his instrument. If so, it adds to my verdict that no one should again try ot communicate this music on ths particular piece of ancient equipment.

To me, the only saving grace here is Troeger's playing, which is fleet and accurate although regularly burdened by his harsh and extreme slow movements and the indefensibly metrical approach to music that is supposed to dance and be full of life. Combined with the dark and ugly sound of his instrument, I could never recommend this recording to another buyer.

4 out of 5 stars A master work, great performance, wrong instrument........2000-05-07

I feel that Paul Wachowicz gave an excellent review of Bach's most mature keyboard work, The Six Partitas. I, however, didn't walk away with the same feeling. The problem for me is the choice of instrument. The clavichord has such a soft voice. I have a number or recordings of the clavichord and the suggestions for playback are generaly the same, that is, the volume should be set at a level that any external noise will interrupt the sound of the instrument. The clavichord was primary a domestic instrument because it could be played on without disturbing anyone else, say, in the next room or when playing late into the night. These are concert pieces (by Bach's standards) and should be played on a large instument such as a harpsichord or piano to get the full effect of just how modern and ahead of it's time these pieces really are when compared to his contemporaries or even now. I do have to say that this recording of the work does have great effect when played late into the night. However, I feel that if your shopping for a great recording of the Six Partitas, this performance shouldn't be your primary choice, unless of course, you love the soft voice of the clavichord.

5 out of 5 stars An absolute "must-have".......1999-07-27

Throw away your desert island CD list. Should you ever find yourself marooned, these are the only disks you'll need.

There are scant few worthwhile recordings made on this wonderful instrument (Bach's favorite), and with good reason. There are pitfalls aplenty in store for the would-be recording artist bent on rendering something wonderful on the clavichord. In some cases, the player simply isn't up to the task either technically or expressively (a keyboard is a keyboard isn't it? If one can play piano or harpsichord convincingly, surely the clavichord can pose no real challenge! Guess again.). In other cases, the instrument is the culprit. Naive construction or upkeep can render a clavichord virtually unplayable, or at least unlistenable. Lastly, the instrument is unrelentingly difficult to record.

Troeger transcends all of these in a manner I've simply never heard before. The tone is sweet and lyrical, the technique absolutely perfect, the interpretations solid, valid and refreshing. Before hearing his clavichord artistry, I had a regrettable tendency to dismiss the instrument as a baroque novelty. He has changed all that for good. His technique and sensitivity are simply not easily believed. Most of the credit clearly belongs to him, but a good deal must also go to the builder (the great Ron Haas) of this very fine clavichord. The recording engineer and producer also worthy of mention. All know what they're doing.

This is a "must have" for anyone looking to expand their Bach keyboard work CD collection with something new and exciting. By all means, keep your favorite harpsichord and piano versions of the partitas as well. I have a feeling this is the one you'll listen to most often. One can only wonder at the next offering of this incredibly gifted man.
Bach: The Six Partitas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • I strongly recommend this recording to you for the music, the performance, the instrument, and the notes
Bach: The Six Partitas

Manufacturer: Wild Boar Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Scarlatti: Fugue & 10 SONATAS
  2. Early Italian Harpsichord Music (1502-1670)
  3. Bach: English Suites / Edward Parmentier, harpsichord

ASIN: B000005VWN
Release Date: 1993-12-08

Tracks:

  1. Partita I in B flat, BWV 825: Prld
  2. Partita I in B flat, BWV 825: Allemande
  3. Partita I in B flat, BWV 825: Corrente
  4. Partita I in B flat, BWV 825: Sarabande
  5. Partita I in B flat, BWV 825: Menuet I & II
  6. Partita I in B flat, BWV 825: Gigue
  7. Partita II in c, BWV 826: Sinf
  8. Partita II in c, BWV 826: Allemande
  9. Partita II in c, BWV 826: Courante
  10. Partita II in c, BWV 826: Sarabande
  11. Partita II in c, BWV 826: Rondeaux
  12. Partita II in c, BWV 826: Capriccio
  13. Partita IV in D, BWV 828: Ov
  14. Partita IV in D, BWV 828: Allemande
  15. Partita IV in D, BWV 828: Courante
  16. Partita IV in D, BWV 828: Sarabande
  17. Partita IV in D, BWV 828: Aria
  18. Partita IV in D, BWV 828: Menuet
  19. Partita IV in D, BWV 828: Gigue

Tracks:

  1. Partita III in a, BWV 827: Fant
  2. Partita III in a, BWV 827: Allemande
  3. Partita III in a, BWV 827: Corrente
  4. Partita III in a, BWV 827: Sarabande
  5. Partita III in a, BWV 827: Burlesca
  6. Partita III in a, BWV 827: Scherzo
  7. Partita III in a, BWV 827: Gigue
  8. Partita V in G, BWV 829: Preambulum
  9. Partita V in G, BWV 829: Allemande
  10. Partita V in G, BWV 829: Corrente
  11. Partita V in G, BWV 829: Sarabande
  12. Partita V in G, BWV 829: Tempo Di Minuetta
  13. Partita V in G, BWV 829: Passepied
  14. Partita V in G, BWV 829: Gigue
  15. Partita VI in e, BWV 830: Toccata
  16. Partita VI in e, BWV 830: Allemanda
  17. Partita VI in e, BWV 830: Corrente
  18. Partita VI in e, BWV 830: Sarabande
  19. Partita VI in e, BWV 830: Air
  20. Partita VI in e, BWV 830: Tempo Di Gavotta
  21. Partita VI in e, BWV 830: Gigue

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I strongly recommend this recording to you for the music, the performance, the instrument, and the notes.......2005-12-27

This set of Bach's six great suites of Partitas is a must have for several reasons. First and always is the music of J. S. Bach. He was so proud of this music that he went to the great expense of having it published. It is for us to understand what a difficult and expensive such publication was in Bach's time, but the notes tell us that a good clavichord could nearly have been purchased for the price of the printed edition, and it sold well. These pieces are all magnificent and delightful. All keyboard players want to play them and renditions such as provided here help every listener to understand the music more clearly with each listening.

There is also the keyboard artistry of Ed Parmentier. He plays with such confidence and intimate knowledge of the music that we can hear each piece with fresh ears no matter how many times we have heard it performed. Parmentier's playing is a great example of why harpsichord playing is different than piano playing. Listen to how he lets the musical rhythm breathe according to the needs of the music to speak to us. Notice the great color in the way he articulates the notes, using every aspect of the way the harpsichord begins, sustains, and ends notes to draw ever greater expression from the music. The tempi also feel very natural and in character for each work. Brilliant and full of virtuosity at times while dense and full of pathos at others.

The instrument also shines here. Parmentier uses all its features: the multiple choirs of strings, the lute stop, and as I said earlier, the full means of articulation available to the sensitive harpsichordist. The notes point out that the instrument is authentic to the point of using quill to pluck the strings. It is recorded carefully to allow us to hear all the action of the harpsichord making its sounds. Some recordings see the action sounds as a negative and suppress too much of the music for my taste.

The notes are almost worth the price of the disk by themselves. Full of information about these works and the recording, they allow the listener to appreciate the music provided here more richly.

A terrific recording of some marvelous playing. I recommend this two disk set highly.
Bach: Six Partitas, BWV 825-830 (Edition Bachakademie Vol 115) /Pinnock (harpsichord)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A "must buy" recording
  • For those who don't like harpsichords -- check it out!
  • Tremendous performance of the Partitas - Go for it, folks!!
Bach: Six Partitas, BWV 825-830 (Edition Bachakademie Vol 115) /Pinnock (harpsichord)

Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Bach: Complete Sonatas for Violin and Obbligato Harpsichord / Pinnock, Podger
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  4. Partitas Nos 1 3 & 6
  5. Haydn: Piano Concertos

ASIN: B00004TKFM
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

  1. Parita 1 B - Dur B Flat Major, BWV 825: Praeludium
  2. Parita 1 B - Dur B Flat Major, BWV 825: Allemande
  3. Parita 1 B - Dur B Flat Major, BWV 825: Corrente
  4. Parita 1 B - Dur B Flat Major, BWV 825: Sarabande
  5. Parita 1 B - Dur B Flat Major, BWV 825: Menuet I + II
  6. Parita 1 B - Dur B Flat Major, BWV 825: Gigue
  7. Partita 2 c-moll BWV 826: Sinfonia
  8. Partita 2 c-moll BWV 826: Allemande
  9. Partita 2 c-moll BWV 826: Courante
  10. Partita 2 c-moll BWV 826: Sarabande
  11. Partita 2 c-moll BWV 826: Rondeaux
  12. Partita 2 c-moll BWV 826: Capriccio
  13. Partita 6 e-Moll BWV 830: Toccata
  14. Partita 6 e-Moll BWV 830: Allemande
  15. Partita 6 e-Moll BWV 830: Corrente
  16. Partita 6 e-Moll BWV 830: Air
  17. Partita 6 e-Moll BWV 830: Sarabande
  18. Partita 6 e-Moll BWV 830: Tempo di Gavotta
  19. Partita 6 e-Moll BWV 830: Gigue

Tracks:

  1. Partita 3 a-Moll BWV 827: Fantasia
  2. Partita 3 a-Moll BWV 827: Allemande
  3. Partita 3 a-Moll BWV 827: Corrente
  4. Partita 3 a-Moll BWV 827: Sarabande
  5. Partita 3 a-Moll BWV 827: Burlesca
  6. Partita 3 a-Moll BWV 827: Scherzo
  7. Partita 3 a-Moll BWV 827: Gigue
  8. Partita 4 D-Dur BWV 828: Ouverture
  9. Partita 4 D-Dur BWV 828: Allemande
  10. Partita 4 D-Dur BWV 828: Courante
  11. Partita 4 D-Dur BWV 828: Aria
  12. Partita 4 D-Dur BWV 828: Sarabande
  13. Partita 4 D-Dur BWV 828: Menuet
  14. Partita 4 D-Dur BWV 828: Gigue
  15. Partita 5 G-Dur BWV 829: Praeambulum
  16. Partita 5 G-Dur BWV 829: Allemande
  17. Partita 5 G-Dur BWV 829: Corrente
  18. Partita 5 G-Dur BWV 829: Sarabande
  19. Partita 5 G-Dur BWV 829: Tempo di Minuetta
  20. Partita 5 G-Dur BWV 829: Passepied
  21. Partita 5 G-Dur BWV 829: Gigue

Amazon.com

Bach wrote his keyboard partitas when his career as a church musician had gone wrong. They became the foundation for a massive composite work in which he explored every aspect of the 18th-century precursor to the piano. But how--and on what--should they be played today? The jury is out, and will stay out forever. That's why it's such a pleasure to compare approaches, and why there's no such thing as a "best buy." Go back to 1952, courtesy of the Music and Arts label, and listen to Ralph Kirkpatrick's graceful recordings: as the granddaddy of all modern Bach players, he's still got a lot to offer. Then check out Richard Goode's superb piano version to see how the big modern instrument can, in expert hands, still replicate the earlier instrument's understated charms. And now listen to Trevor Pinnock, rapidly emerging as our premier harpsichordist, whose new version of the partitas must be one of the most compelling ever made. Nobody gets such a luxurious range of color from the instrument or extracts such full-blooded drama. His tempi are on the fast side, and they whirl along when Bach hints that the brakes can be taken off. Here is real virtuosity in the noblest of causes. --Michael Church

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A "must buy" recording.......2007-03-17

J.S. Bach's six partitas for harpsichord rank as some of most powerful and sublime compositions for keyboard ever written. In my view they rank with Beethoven's late piano sonatas. Trevor Pinnock is the greatest harpsichordist that I know to be alive and active at present. This two-CD set is a masterful product of two masters - Bach and Pinnock. Thankfully Pinnock has retired from conducting and is devoting his energies to recording Bach's keyboard works. I look forward to more recordings from this wonderful musician.

5 out of 5 stars For those who don't like harpsichords -- check it out!.......2001-12-06

If hearing a harpsichord only brings back memories of TV's Addams Family, or stirs up images -- as British conductor Sir Thomas Beecham once put it -- of "two skeletons copulating on a tin roof," then you owe it to yourself to hear this nicely priced 2-CD set of Bach's wonderful partitas.

Aside from the compositions themselves, which are among Bach's most stimulating keyboard works, and the incredible artistry of Trevor Pinnock, this is one of the warmest recordings of a harpsichord I've ever heard. It's rich, robust, and positively beautiful.

Pinnock recently retired from conducting to devote more time to playing the harpsichord. If this is only the beginning of many more Bach/Pinnock harpsichord recordings to come, music fans have a lot to look forward to.

5 out of 5 stars Tremendous performance of the Partitas - Go for it, folks!!.......2000-11-30

Trevor Pinnock has never let me down, and he continues his streak with a superb performance of Bach's 6 Partitas. I own several other Pinnock CDs (Vivaldi's Four Seasons, various hpsd. works by Bach) and they are all winners and, to me, definitive. I'd say this is a must-have harpsichord version of the Partitas. Highest recommendation. Bach lives! Trevor forever!!
Vladimir Feltsman. J.S. Bach  Six Partitas / Two Part Inventions (2 CDs)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Vladimir Feltsman. J.S. Bach Six Partitas / Two Part Inventions (2 CDs)

    Manufacturer: Urtext Records (Import)
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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    1. Bach: Goldberg Variations

    ASIN: B00006JKGA
    Release Date: 2002-10-01
    Bach: The Six Partitas
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Bach: The Six Partitas

      Manufacturer: EMI Records [All429]
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000042OR1
      Release Date: 2001-09-04

      Tracks:

      1. Partita 1, BWV 825 in b flat: Praeludium
      2. Partita 1, BWV 825 in b flat: Allemande
      3. Partita 1, BWV 825 in b flat: Corrente
      4. Partita 1, BWV 825 in b flat: Sarabande
      5. Partita 1, BWV 825 in b flat: Menuet 1 & 2
      6. Partita 1, BWV 825 in b flat: Giga
      7. Partita 2, BWV 826 in c: Sinf: Grave Adagio - Andante - Allegro - Adagio - (Tempo Ordinario)
      8. Partita 2, BWV 826 in c: Sinf: Allemande (Tempo D'Alla Breve)
      9. Partita 2, BWV 826 in c: Sinf: Courante
      10. Partita 2, BWV 826 in c: Sinf: Sarabande
      11. Partita 2, BWV 826 in c: Sinf: Rondeaux
      12. Partita 2, BWV 826 in c: Sinf: Capriccio
      13. Partita 3, BWV 827 in a: Fantasia
      14. Partita 3, BWV 827 in a: Allemande
      15. Partita 3, BWV 827 in a: Corrente
      16. Partita 3, BWV 827 in a: Sarabande
      17. Partita 3, BWV 827 in a: Burlesca
      18. Partita 3, BWV 827 in a: Scherzo
      19. Partita 3, BWV 827 in a: Gique

      Tracks:

      1. Partita 4, BWV 828 in D: Ouverture (Tempo D'Alla Breve)
      2. Partita 4, BWV 828 in D: Allemande
      3. Partita 4, BWV 828 in D: Courante
      4. Partita 4, BWV 828 in D: Sarabande
      5. Partita 4, BWV 828 in D: Aria
      6. Partita 4, BWV 828 in D: Menuet
      7. Partita 4, BWV 828 in D: Gique
      8. Partita 5, BWV 829 in G: Praeambulum
      9. Partita 5, BWV 829 in G: Allemande
      10. Partita 5, BWV 829 in G: Corrente
      11. Partita 5, BWV 829 in G: Sarabande
      12. Partita 5, BWV 829 in G: Tempo Di Minuetta
      13. Partita 5, BWV 829 in G: Passepied
      14. Partita 5, BWV 829 in G: Gique
      15. Partita 6, BWV 830 in e: Toccata (Tempo D'Alla Breve)
      16. Partita 6, BWV 830 in e: Allemanda
      17. Partita 6, BWV 830 in e: Corrente
      18. Partita 6, BWV 830 in e: Sarabande
      19. Partita 6, BWV 830 in e: Air (Tempo D'Alla Breve)
      20. Partita 6, BWV 830 in e: Tempo Di Gavotta (Tempo D'Alla Breve)
      21. Partita 6, BWV 830 in e: Gique
      J. S. Bach: The Six Partitas
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        J. S. Bach: The Six Partitas

        Manufacturer: Signum UK
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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        ASIN: B00003NHBT
        Release Date: 1999-12-15
        Bach: The Six Partitas, BWV 825-830
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Bach: The Six Partitas, BWV 825-830

          Manufacturer: Concord Records
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
          SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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          ASIN: B00000I7KF
          Release Date: 1996-04-30

          Tracks:

          1. Partita No. 4 In D Major: Ouverture
          2. Partita No. 4 In D Major: Allemande
          3. Partita No. 4 In D Major: Corrente
          4. Partita No. 4 In D Major: Aria
          5. Partita No. 4 In D Major: Sarabande
          6. Partita No. 4 In D Major: Menuet
          7. Partita No. 4 In D Major: Gigue
          8. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major: Praeludium
          9. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major: Allemande
          10. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major: Courante
          11. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major: Sarabande
          12. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major: Menuet I; Menuet II
          13. Partita No. 1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
          14. Partita No. 2 In C Minor: Sinfonia
          15. Partita No. 2 In C Minor: Allemande
          16. Partita No. 2 In C Minor: Courante
          17. Partita No. 2 In C Minor: Sarabande
          18. Partita No. 2 In C Minor: Rondeau
          19. Partita No. 2 In C Minor: Capriccio

          Tracks:

          1. Partita No. 5 In G Major: Praeambulum
          2. Partita No. 5 In G Major: Allemande
          3. Partita No. 5 In G Major: Corrente
          4. Partita No. 5 In G Major: Sarabande
          5. Partita No. 5 In G Major: Tempo di Minuetto
          6. Partita No. 5 In G Major: Passepied
          7. Partita No. 5 In G Major: Gigue
          8. Partita No. 3 In A Minor: Fantasia
          9. Partita No. 3 In A Minor: Allemande
          10. Partita No. 3 In A Minor: Corrente
          11. Partita No. 3 In A Minor: Sarabande
          12. Partita No. 3 In A Minor: Burlesca
          13. Partita No. 3 In A Minor: Scherzo
          14. Partita No. 3 In A Minor: Gigue
          15. Partita No. 6 In E Minor: Toccata
          16. Partita No. 6 In E Minor: Allemande
          17. Partita No. 6 In E Minor: Corrente
          18. Partita No. 6 In E Minor: Air
          19. Partita No. 6 In E Minor: Sarabande
          20. Partita No. 6 In E Minor: Tempo di Gavotta
          21. Partita No. 6 In E Minor: Gigue
          Bach: Six Partitas (Clavierübung I) BWV 825-830
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Bach: Six Partitas (Clavierübung I) BWV 825-830

            Manufacturer: Atma Classique
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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            GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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            ASIN: B00006L6VV
            Release Date: 2003-01-01
            Bach: Six Partitas
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Bach: Six Partitas

              Manufacturer: Labor Records
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

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              GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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              ASIN: B000025ZG8
              Release Date: 1995-08-15

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              2. Beethoven: 9 Symphonien; Ouvertüren
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              4. Beethoven: Symphonies no 5 and 7 / Ashkenazy (Penguin Music Classics Series)
              5. Beethoven: Symphonies No. 7 & 8
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              7. Bernstein: A White House Cantata
              8. Between Two Hearts
              9. Borodin-Symphonies 1 & 2
              10. Boulez Conducts Webern, Vol. 3

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              Omega Sessions [EP]

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              Me And My Girl: The Lambeth Walk Musical (1985 London Revival Cast) [Cast Recording] [Import] [Cast Recording]

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