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J.S. Bach
Well-tempered Clavier, Book 1
Jill Crossland
2 CD Set
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"my litmus test, is the extent to which Crossland is able to embed herself in a communicative and consistent style that stands a chance of drawing in the listener for the two hours it takes to unfold the first Book of the 48. That said, not everyone will choose to digest Bach's music in this way – and perhaps BBC Radio 3's recent packaging of the 48 over a course of six weeks, to the accompaniment of the listener's breakfast crackle and pop, is more conductive ... I report on the Crossland discs with a smile in my voice, as the pianist so often succeeds in coaxing from the instrument an effect that coincides with my personal perspective of what the music amounts to ... The slippery business of tempo selection is a major criterion here – Crossland rarely disappoints or antagonises with extremes, catching all the brilliance and nimbleness of the Prelude No. 21 in B flat major one could ask for ... Crossland's is a reading of great weight and intensity ... There is an enjoyment of the here-and-now in Crossland's playing, across the whole of Book 1 ... This is a polished and compelling account of Bach's Old Testament; Book 2 is awaited with eager anticipation""
International Record Review |
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"What strikes first is the sheer variety of Crossland’s styles – a virtuosity of interpretation. Her performance modes allow both softness of touch and hardness of articulation ... At all times, her playing is assuredly clear and controlled ... Her sense of structure and form is outstanding – making the might of climaxes an experience of passionate dynamism and something inexorable ... Crossland has put her admirable technique in the service of her cool-headed compassion"
ClassicalSource.com |
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"Within seconds you're drawn into the gentle hammer-strokes that unlock Crossland's warm, rounded and perpetually singing sonority ... The preludes inspire Crossland's best work"
Gramophone |
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" ... the eminent and revered Bach interpreter, Jill Crossland ... A highly fitting addition to any collection of piano repertoire"
MusicWeb International |
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Proving that Jill Crossland “well deserves her enviable reputation as a Bach pianist” (BBC Music Magazine), this superb recording of Bach’s Well-tempered Clavier, Book 1, is a great way to start the New Year on Signum. Colloquially known as the “48” from the two books of twenty-four preludes and fugues, these works form one of the great landmarks of keyboard repertoire.
Bach’s own description from the title page of his copy of Book 1 reads -
“Preludes & Fugues through all tones and semitones including (both) major & minor (keys).”
Schumann even referred to the work as his
“daily bread”.
Revered for her performances of Bach, Jill Crossland gives
concerts across the world, first performing the complete
Well-tempered Clavier from memory as a student in
Manchester.
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