J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I
Acis, 2024
9/10
Listen to J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I
The harpsichord wizard Matthew Dirst interprets 48 Bach selections from 1722’s Das Wohltemperierte Clavier (The Well-Tempered Clavier), where Dirst’s complete mastery of his instrument exemplifies much consistency and adaptability.
The bright keys and strings of the mesmerizing “Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846” opens the listen, and it isn’t long until “Prelude No. 3 in C-sharp Major, BWV 848” showcases plenty of melody and strong attention to timbre via the meticulous progressions.
Deeper into Disc 1, “Fugue No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851” emits a dreamy presence of swirling dynamics, while “Prelude No. 10 in E Minor, BWV 855” carries a distinct intimacy that radiates amid the intriguing tonality.
Disc 2 leads with “Prelude No. 13 in F-sharp Major, BWV 858”, where Dirst’s finger acrobatics draw us in to the dizzying delivery, and much further along, “Fugue No. 19 in A Major, BWV 864” unfolds with a very animated appeal of timeless, careful instrumentation. The lengthy affair exits with “Fugue No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 869”, where Dirst’s technical prowess is front and center.
A highly imaginative, intense and emotive endeavor, Dirst’s performance is top notch from beginning to end, and will leave classical fans in awe.
Travels well with: Trinity Church Boston/Colin Lynch- The Great Glad Tidings Tell: Carols From Copley Square; Ian Pomerantz/Byron Schenkman- Art Songs Of The Jewish Diaspora