Customer Reviews

Well Tempered Clavier - Book 1

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Joao Carlos Martins brillantly interperts Bach on all levels. I own all of his Bach recordings and this one is among the greatest. He never appears on a list beside Gould, Schiff and Landowska, but he should. Schiff tends to play each fugue in the same manner. On the Martins recording, each is played individually and different. The c major prelude is a little bit too slow, but I'm sure there was a reason. If you are a fan of Bach played on the piano, acquire as many of Martins recordings as you can. You won't be disappointed. His recording of the Goldbergs is by far the best I've ever heard!

I've been playing the piano for decades - got my degree from USC in music.

Usually when I hear professional pianists play Bach, I fall asleep. Somewhere along the line they forgot what music is about. They got trapped in perfection. "I must play the perfect note at the perfect time with the traditionally agreed dynamics and articulation." WRONG!

Music is about moving people. For myself, I usually know within a few seconds if a musician will move me or not. João Carlos Martins is one such musician. For example he plays the first prelude (the C major) more slowly than I've ever heard. Most children can sight read it faster. Why is he playing it so slowly? Apparently there's something to hear. If you're open.

I've been reading all the reviews on amazon of this pianist. Some people (like myself) love him. Some hate him (usually those who are hung up on doing things the same way everyone else has always done them). Use your own ears. I'm not saying he's perfect and can do no wrong, I'm just saying he is a pianist that will not put you to sleep. Listen to some samples. Maybe he will move you too.

Martins playing Bach was for some time a fashion in my country. Now it became old, metallic , and is full of tasteless. If you want to hear this music in the piano try Rosalyn Tureck, Angela Hewitt, or Andras Schiff.