Concertos Italiens: Alexandre Tharaud Joue Bach [Import]

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Alexandre Tharaud (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Alexandre Tharaud
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (March 8, 2005)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
• ASIN: B00070FTM2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #51,668 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #76 in Music > Classical > Instruments > Keyboard > Organ

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Les plus belle Bach du Monde, August 4, 2005

By 

J. F. Laurson (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Concertos Italiens: Alexandre Tharaud Joue Bach (Audio CD)

This recording has been in my player for the last few months and has given me utter enjoyment and many a relieved smile since. It was so enchanting, I even forgot to write a review for ionarts.org about it (for the purpose of which I had gotten it a little before the release date). Now that everyone else and their aunt have agreed that this is absolutle superb, I'll chime in: It is! It is likely the best Bach recital on the piano I have heard in many years... heck - I think it's the best Bach recital I have. Musicality and technical ability combine to a wonderfully rewarding, masterful approach in this program of transcriptions *by* Bach. Although all taken from other (Italian - hence the name of the disc, apart from offering the "Italian Concerto") composers - which was the way to learn new and master old styles back then - they all very much have Bach stamped on them. You couldn't ask for more. Look for this disc to be included among the top 10 of 2005. [...]

--- update, 02.Jan 2009 ---

This disc has, if anything, gained in appreciation with me. It is absolutely tremendous and belongs into the Pantheon of Bach recital discs... perhaps even in the Pantheon of piano recital discs. Whether for the jaded completist who already has 4000 recordings or as an introduction to classical music, this recording is bound to impress.

--- update, 15.Feb 2011 ---

This disc is now also part of a mid-budget box that contains all three of Tharaud's baroque recitals (Rameau & Couperin being the other two--both of them, esp. the Couperin, similar must-haves as the Bach). Alexandre Tharaud: "Baroque" - Music of Rameau, Couperin & Bach

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gifted Pianist Explores All Interpretive Possibilities With Remarkable Command!, November 30, 2008

By 

Raymond Vacchino "Music Begins And Ends In Th... (Toronto, ON. Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Concertos Italiens: Alexandre Tharaud Joue Bach (Audio CD)

Pianist Alexandre Tharaud has an unique gift which allows him the ability to take remarkable command of J.S. Bach's musical styles and dialects.

Throughout this recording of the 'Concertos Italiens', Tharaud's vibrant and varied sonorities perpetually sing, while his contrapuntal acumen leaves no detail unconsidered nor unduly fussed over. The playing follows history and manifestation of the genre as seen through his eyes offering magnificent insight to amateurs, students and virtuoso's.

Tharaud's tempi always seem right for what the music has to express, and textures gorgeously showcase his fluent, utterly natural conversational give and take between the hands. The Italian Concertos were in all likelihood, brought back from Amsterdam by Bach's employer in Wiemar and then transcribed in about 1714.

Tharaud's unique abilities are also found in the way he conveys the "real voice" of Vivaldi. By creating various moods that move from a yearning lament to a measured pulse, non-legato touch, and strong melodic projection he highlights the F major'Italian Concerto's' inner rhythmic motion, decorative lines and lyricism, while his left hand provides a strong decisive underpinning. Even at a brisk tempo, the music speaks clearly and eloquently while every accent, syncopation and cross-rhythmic gesture is perfectly placed. It is in the second movement that Tharaud displays his truly interpretive gift.

Every possibility is explored, but the playing remains a model of musical grace. There is such a sense of inner repose and inclusiveness from start to finish, complimented by impeccable taste and musicianship. The last movement obtains such a wide variety of articulations and a keen ear for harmonic tension and release. As well the icing on the cake is made delicious in the finale, due to the strict pulse he maintains in the "perpetuum mobile" motion.

The expertise Tharaud displays throughout this recording makes you totally aware of the way convention and style are enlivened by Bach's genius. One comes away dazzled by the unique sonorities, imagination and elan of these magnificent transcribed performances.
Pianist Alexandre Tharaud yields to fantasy, allure and the breeziness which Bach would have both admired and wanted.

I personally feel that Tharaud has created a masterpiece that will be treasured, as well as setting a presedent of virtuosic excellence that will indeed challenge the most formidable of concert-pianists to surpass!

Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus. Classical Music Critic

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Performance, May 8, 2005

By 

W. Saumweber (San Francisco, California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Concertos Italiens: Alexandre Tharaud Joue Bach (Audio CD)

I have at least five different records of the Italian Concertos, including Glenn Gould's. This is by far the most enjoyable, the most vivid, the most thoughtful interpretation. I can't wait for Tharaud's next album.