Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Stankovsky, Camerata Cassovia :: J.S. Bach: Complete Piano Concertos Vol. 2

Very good

05/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hae-won Chang has recorded two volumes of Bach's keyboard concerti. At the moment, Amazon carries only the second volume. But both are excellent recordings of all the seven surviving solo keyboard concerti on piano. Chang's articulation is crisp and expressively colorful, helping carry the often-suppressed counterpoint in these works above the orchestra--especially notable for concerti 1052 and 1054 on the first volume. Some of the performances here stand up to some of the other great recordings of these works on piano. The 1052, for instance, on volume one, is dramatic with unwaning impetus, rivaling even Gould's performance with Bernstein. Although the 1055 concerto is less successful, the famous 1056 concerto presented in volume two is dramatic in its first movement surging tempo, preparing for the calm and tastefully rendered second movement. And the third movement, so often, it seems, played with banging and clanging by many pianists, rings clearly here, mirroring the first movement's rush. The orchestra, of modern size, is up to the task as well; the 1058 concerto shows off the strings and continuo especially well in their brightness and range of force. One cannot go wrong with this set when looking for consistently fresh and clear performances on piano of Bach's solo keyboard concerti."

Bargain Bach

Richard Cotter | Blairgowrie, Victoria Australia | 10/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hae-won Chang plays these keyboard concertos beautifully and is sympathetically accompanied. This is playing of real distinction - direct and unforced: the CD would be a first recommendation even if three times the price."

Great Performance!

tinkering | Hong Kong | 10/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Naxos disc is really a great bargain, considering the wonderful and colourful performance of the soloist. Chang plays much better than Gavrilov, who seems to be unable to produce anything except staccato in Bach's concertos. Really nice!"