J.S. Bach Rethinking The Well- Tempered Clavier
Navona, 2024
8/10
Listen to J.S. Bach Rethinking The Well- Tempered Clavier
The skilled pianist Natalya Pasichnyk and the Calmus Ensemble come together for these interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach’s work, and it unfolds across 4 discs of diverse song craft.
Disc 1 opens with “The Essence: Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, BWV 849”, where sensitive keys and expressive voices flow in and out of much beauty for a very thoughtful start, and it isn’t long until “Annunciation and Birth: Prelude in C Major, BWV 846” swirls with a distinct dreaminess that spotlights the baritone voices.
Disc 2 contains “The Time Is Coming: Prelude in E-Flat Major, BWV 852”, which presents lyrics by Paul Gerhardt and has the fascinating finger acrobatics on piano mesmerizing us, while “Passion: Prelude in E-Flat Minor, BWV 853” emits some of the most powerful singing amid the twinkling keys that builds much intimacy. “Reflection On Death” exits the sung portion, and yields tremendous vocal work with Pasichnyk’s elegant and agile key gestures.
The program repeats on Discs 3 and 4, only in a solo piano setting, which allows us to see the true scope of Pasichnyk’s vision that’s both intellectual and spiritual, and delivered flawlessly.
A listen that’s got plenty of muscle but is also pensive, Pasichnyk explores the bounds of divine inspiration and human existence across these time honored selections.
Travels well with: Wanchi Huang- Imagining Worlds; Michael Cohen- Aria