[zeugma]

It's got to be weird for the pianist to play though all the different keys in one sitting.

[aposiopetic]

Thanks for the post.

Bump.

[beaversmom]

Thanks for the post. We just learned about this in Music Appreciation class. I’ll find my notes later and post the name of a lady that my teacher saw play both books during two, two hour shows. :)

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

I love WTC

[Terry L Smith]

I have heard “The Well-Tempered Clavier” on harpsichord, piano, and the Carlos Moog synthesizer recordings, when they first came out on ‘LP’.

I feel that the pieces sound a little ‘stronger’ on the harpsichord, followed by the Carlos recordings.

When I write, I find there is an underlying connection of my fingers on the keyboard, (used to be typewriter), and the virtuoso recorded playing on the harpsichord.

[oblomov]

This is supposedly what Glenn Gould did when he recorded his version of WTC I & II, and also his early and later versions of Goldberg Variations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYN4SKdYIQ0&list=PLUSRfoOcUe4aD6ToW281QxhxUWUf5su1U

I really enjoy Gould’s interpretations, but they are controversial.

[PubliusMM]

Ping.

[Ray76]

Thanks

[oblomov]

Possibly of interest: a reflection on Bach by the late columnist, concert pianist, and music professor Balint Vazsonyi.

http://www.balintvazsonyi.org/washtimes/wt082200.html

I was fortunate to have crossed paths with Dr. Vazsonyi in my younger days. He was one of the most broadly educated and humane persons I have ever known. I worked on his campaign during his foray into politics.

[wittyone]

I cut my eye teeth on Wanda Landowska... all others are but imitations.

Wanda Landowska plays WTC Bach The Well Tempered Clavier, Book 1 (Harpsichord)

Wanda Landowska plays WTC Bach The Well Tempered Clavier, Book 2 (Harpsichord)

[lee martell]

Finally, i can talk to others about my great love of Praelude no.1, by JSB. without worrying that im either confusing or boring them. The piece is deceptively and elegantly simple in pattern and overall composition.
The first time i heard it was via harpsichord. My ears were not yet ready to hear all the subtle movements. I found it easier to hear this done on a piano.
There is something so very satisfying about this little ditty which was written to train his sons during their early childhood.

[SamAdams76]

I've gone through several "Bach" phases in my life.

Whenever I get tired of listening to contemporary music, I spend a few weeks or months listening to Bach. It sort of cleanses the palate.

Thanks for this thread, I might just start a new Bach phase.

[lee martell]

JS Bach had at least two main passions in life, producing music and producing babies. He had a total of 29 children from two consecutive wives. I believe there are some decendants to JSB alive today, most located in Germany and Brazil.

[zeugma]

Thanks all for your comments on this thread. The listening suggestions are especially appreciated. I’ll be checking them out over the next few days as I get time.

[windcliff]

ping

[beaversmom]

Hello...this is the artist, Angela Hewitt, that my teacher saw in person playing the Well-Tempered Clavier in two separate showes, and referred to in music appreciation class. I found this article about her from The Guardian that you may be interested in reading regarding the Art of Fugue:

Angela Hewitt: My battle with Bach
http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/sep/19/angela-hewitt-battle-bach