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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
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!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hummable Bach?, February 13, 2001
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.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent compliment to Gould, July 9, 2001
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.
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