Search - J.S. Bach, Pierre Hantaï :: Bach: Harpsichord Works / Hantai

*** ELECTRIFYING ***

Max Schmeder | New York, NY | 02/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I reviewed these recordings in an earlier CD incarnation.



The peaks of the set are the Lautenwerk suite (played on a harpsichord) and the Voss prelude. His flash and poise are incomparably masterful - and by that I mean he radiates the "mastery" effect of French music. Heck, the French style is rarely captured so well as in this suite by Bach. The Mistral wind incarnate, I swear. Give him some real French composers to record, please, especially Louis Couperin, and see what happens.



For a rush like nothing else, synchronize yourself with Hantai's nervous system and fly along as he blows like that same wind through the Voss-collection prelude.



Harpsichordists have learned to become edgier and edgier, but I'm certain it's always been Hantai's deepest nature; at his innermost musical core is a hive of busy bees. Sometimes it's not congruent with the repertoire, but it works exceptionally well in these discs of Bach's improvisatory music.



The playing is so compelling that it merits a word of caution. Hantai's overwhelming, if not awe-inspiring, musicality could easily lead people into a complicit acceptance of all of his interpretations. His Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue is incredibly impressive, but it's important to recognize what gets sacrificed by his approach. The recording industry and critics are almost completely deaf to real harpsichord talent, but they at least get Hantai. Still, it would be a shame if his style became The Style.

"