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CD Review

Johann Sebastian Bach

Piano Concertos

  • Concerto for Keyboard #1 in D minor, BWV 1052
  • Concerto for Keyboard #2 in E Major, BWV 1053
  • Concerto for Keyboard #4 in A Major, BWV 1055
Murray Perahia, piano
Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields/Murray Perahia
Sony Classical SK89245
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe Find it at JPC

In the earliest days of the new century, Murray Perahia set down some stunning Bach performances for Sony Classical, including a benchmark Goldberg Variations and some very fine concerto discs. As both soloist and conductor, Perahia makes a very convincing case for these pieces on the modern piano, assisted by the very fine accompaniment of the Academy.

Right from the start of the famous D minor concerto, you hear a successful partnership in the making. Perahia phrases his solo lines with the utmost care and intelligence, weaving in and out of the excellent orchestral framework. The strings play with a welcome warmth, but also with a sense of strength and purpose that belies the lack of a conductor. Perahia has made a habit of conducting most of his work in the Baroque and Classical period from the keyboard, and it always turns out to be a rewarding choice. Unlike some "authentic" performances, nothing is ever too steely or harsh, and great pains are taken to ensure a genuine give and take between soloist and ensemble.

For the period instrument folks, I continue to suggest the terrific Pinnock performances on DG's Archiv line, especially for the first-rate solo contributions and huge amount of music you can acquire for a small price. Still, if you find a pianist like Glenn Gould a touch mannered and self-indulgent, and the prospect of Angela Hewitt's Bach series to be daunting, I can heartily suggest this wonderful disc for all music lovers.

Copyright © 2014, Brian Wigman

Trumpet

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