The Well “Tampered” Clavier, Book 1
Acis, 2025
9/10
Listen to The Well “Tampered” Clavier, Book 1
Ralitza Patcheva and Sam Post bring their inestimable piano playing to these arrangements that were recorded at the Lang Hall, Levine Music in Washington D.C. in March and June 2022, as well as February 2023.
“Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV 846” opens with Post’s quick fingers in the animated and colorful delivery that’s got plenty of melody, and it isn’t long until “Prelude No. 3 in C sharp major, BWV 848” showcases Patcheva’s meticulous progressions via the swift keys.
Deeper into disc 1, “Fugue No. 6 in D minor, BWV 851” emits a very animated presence via Post’s clever playing, while disc 2 leads with “Prelude No. 13 in F sharp major, BWV 858”, where Post’s strong attention to detail won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated across the harmonic and rich tonality.
Further into the back half, “Fugue No. 19 in A major, BWV 864” allows for Patcheva’s stunning playing to shine in the intricate and flowing record highlight, and “Fugue No. 24 in B minor, BWV 869” exits with a tremendous performance from Patcheva that hardly seems like just one piano is present.
An extremely intriguing interpretation of Bach’s work, there’s no lack of rhythm or imagination present, as the duo split their duties into selections that do justice to the originals but with a fresh coat of paint.
Travels well with: Susanna Mendlow- Travels With Cello; Rami Levin- Silk Apples