Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Christiane Jaccottet :: Bach: English Suites Nos.1-3

A Life Changing Record

harpsichordfan | Brazil | 05/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Christiane Jaccottet took musical interpretation lessons with Gustav Leonhardt, who is recognized as being one of the greatest Bach harpsichordists. I have Gustav Leonhardt's version of the English Suites and I must say that both versions have similarities, but Jaccottet's interpretation is more energetic and has more propulsion, however, Jaccottet kept the poetry and rhythmic fidelity which is characteristic on Leonhardt, unlike Glenn Gould, who played the English Suites in a not respectful speed.The sound quality is superb: no undesired reverberation is heard except the natural harpsichord echoes. The booklet is very informative (done by Dr. Udo Unger), with pictures from the remaining autographs from the English Suites.I listen to Jaccottet's version of the English Suites since I was 9 years old (now I'm 20!) and I still haven't got tired of it - I absolutely recommend this record, it made me enjoy classical music and become the amateur pianist I am today.The second prélude is specially breathtaking. It beings with a dance theme, evolves and then shifts to a mystical suspense where it seems like a little devil is sustaining a note on a harp with his nail; then another part takes place with a slow tempo which will then lead to a sucession of scales which is nothing less than a walk in heaven; the fast downward spiral starts again followed by the slow tempo part and then another sucession of scales, now in a different key, more serious; the da capo starts the dance again, so that you can catch your breath."