Bach: The Well-Tempered Claiver [Das Wohltemperierte Clavier / Le Clavier Bien Tempere] [Import]

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Davitt Moroney (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Davitt Moroney
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (August 10, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Import
• Label: Harmonia Mundi
• ASIN: B0000007NP
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609,076 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: BWV 846 (1.1) Praeludium I (1.2) Fuga I - C Major

2. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: BWV 847 (2.1) Praeludium II (2.2) Fuga II - C Minor

3. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: BWV 848 (3.1) Praeludium III (3.2) Fuga III - C Sharp Major

4. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: BWV 849 (4.1) Praeludium IV (4.2) Fuga IV - C Sharp Minor

5. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: BWV 850 (5.1) Praeludium V (5.2) Fuga V - D Major

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XIII BWV 858 F Sharp Major

2. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XIV BWV 859 F Sharp Minor

3. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XV BWV 860 G Major

4. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XVI BWV 861 G Minor

5. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XVII BWV 862 A Flat Major

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Disc: 3

1. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: Davitt Moroney - I BWV 870 C Major

2. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: Davitt Moroney - II BWV 871 C Minor

3. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: Davitt Moroney - III BWV 872 C Sharp Major

4. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: Davitt Moroney - IV BWV 873 C Sharp Minor

5. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: Davitt Moroney - V BWV 874 D Major

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XIII BWV 882 F Sharp Major

2. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XIV BWV 883 F Sharp Minor

3. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XV BWV 884 G Major

4. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XVI BWV 885 G Minor

5. Das Wohltemperierte Clavier - BWV 846-893: XVII BWV 886 A Flat Major

See all 12 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best 'Well-Tempered' harpsichord versions, February 3, 2000

By 

Bay Area Mom "Bay Area Mom" (S.F. Bay Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: The Well-Tempered Claiver [Das Wohltemperierte Clavier / Le Clavier Bien Tempere] (Audio CD)

I prefer Moroney's version to Kenneth Gilbert's (apparently the other 'bigee' in the harpsichord field), and this one costs less. Moroney's boasts a very pleasant sounding harpsichord (i.e., won't make your teeth fall out) and an intimate performance that makes up in subtlty what it may lack in dynamic range (and that's just fine with me!). I won't get into the piano vs. harpsichord (or other period instrument) debate, but if you're curious about how this amazing, monumental work probably sounded to its composer, I suggest you look no further. Harmonia Mundi just recently reissued this performance as part of a bigger set - also looks like a great deal to me!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hummable Bach?, February 13, 2001

By 

N. Chevalier (Regina, Sask. Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bach: The Well-Tempered Claiver [Das Wohltemperierte Clavier / Le Clavier Bien Tempere] (Audio CD)

Everybody knows that Bach was a master of counterpoint, but Davitt Moroney's version of WTC makes you realise just how great his melodies are, too. Moroney's version is breezy and lyrical, while at the same time never failing to keep to the tight structures of the fugues. In many cases here, the preludes especially shine (particularly in Book II, where the repeats allow Moroney to stretch out a bit)--it may even be possible to say that he has fun with the music. The recording itself is very intimate, as if the instrument were built right into the headphones, allowing the listener to follow all the fugal lines very clearly. Anyone wary of investing in this set, afraid of four hours of "theoretical" harpsichord music, need not fear--this recording will have you humming its subjects in no time. And the budget price is an added bonus--I can't believe that Harmonia Mundi is offering this set so cheaply. A must-have for any lover of Bach.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent compliment to Gould, July 9, 2001

By 

Howard G Brown "brownswan" (Port St. Lucie, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bach: The Well-Tempered Claiver [Das Wohltemperierte Clavier / Le Clavier Bien Tempere] (Audio CD)

I was simply looking for a good compliment to the Gould recordings on harpsichord. I chose this set based, in part, on price and the decent reviews. It is an excellent compliment and more. While my wife still prefers the piano (and Gould), she's as drawn to this performance as I am.

This set is a very happy discovery.