The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II
Navona, 2025
9/10
Listen to The Well-Tempered Clavier Book II
Christopher O’Riley brings his inimitable keys to this 2nd installment of Bach’s masterpiece, where 2 discs of texture, intricacy and timelessness are present.
The warm and fluid keys of “Prelude & Fugue in C Major, BWV 870” opens the listen with strong attention to tonality, and it isn’t long until “Prelude in C Minor, BWV 871” showcases tremendous skill via the dancing keys that are melodic.
Deeper into disc 1, “Prelude in E-Flat Major, BWV 876” showcases restraint and beauty in an intimate fashion, while “Fugue in F Minor, BWV 881” exits the first half with upbeat and animated keys.
The 2nd disc leads with the colorful presence of “Prelude in F-Sharp Major, BWV 882”, and further on “Fugue in G Major, BWV 884” displays playful and rhythmic gestures. “Fugue in B Minor, BWV 893” exits, and is a busy and meticulous finish to a tremendous and fascinating body of work.
An extremely detailed solo piano affair, O’Riley’s skills certainly do justice to the classic, and the expressive nature is highly articulate.
Travels well with: Reza Vali- The Darkness Of Fury; Trace Johnson- Works For Cello