Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Anthony Newman :: J.S. Bach: Toccatas for Harpsichord (Complete), BWV 910-916 / Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor BWV 903 - Anthony Newman, harpsichord (recorded June 1995)

Newman on fire, as usual

Phillip J. Rodgers | West Central GA USA | 12/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anthony Newman may be the only keyboard performer currently playing who manages to consistently have the same level of energy and panache that the late Glenn Gould had. These are wonderful performances of the Bach Toccatas. Evidently they were Bach's attempt to write showpieces for a virtuoso harpsichordist that would have the same effect on a good harpsichord that his organ toccatas had on a good pipe organ. They are terrific pieces and deserve to be better known. Bach never wrote a fugue anymore "catchy" than the C minor fugue and that is just one of the tresaures here. I actually prefer Newman's performances of these pieces to Glenn Gould's. Newman matches Gould in the brio department and does not have Gould's unfortunate tendency to drag the slow movements into interminable lengths. These are an excellent value and no one else can touch Newman in the performance of these pieces. The CDs also include a sizzling performance of Bach's legendary Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue. If you enjoy Bach and keyboard virtuosity then you will be pleased."