Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Christian Pezold, Francois Couperin :: The Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach

An intimate recital

Jonathan J. Casey | the twin cities | 11/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anna Magdalena Bach's notebook is a wonderful collection of music by J.S. Bach, his son C.P.E., and various other composers, including lesser-knowns and many peices which have not been attributed to anyone. The credits above are a little misleading in this respect, but it's consistently great music all the way through. The Rondeau (track 6) is a particularly stunning work, tuneful and beautiful, clocking in at around 5 minutes. It was written by Couperin and comes from his second book of harpsichord works. Kipnis' performance is excellent, and while his style (decoration, rubato, etc.) is distracting on a few other selections, here it is marvelous and perfectly suited to the work. The set makes a nice introduction to Bach's keyboard works, featuring the famous aria from the Goldberg Variations as well as the C major prelude from the well-tempered clavier book one. You'll recognize a few other tunes in here as well, as some famous (overused?) little minuets originate from this collection, even though many of them aren't Bach's. Kipnis' playing, while at times idiosynchratic, is for the most part very enjoyable. The harpsichord and clavichord both are 1970's models. I've heard bad things about harpsichords from that decade but it really isn't bad sounding. The harpsichord is not very resonant but isn't awful and clanging. While I enjoy the intimate choice of clavichord on many selections, the set could use some sequencing help as the volume difference between the two instruments is so great that for the most part it requires constant adjustment for the listener. The vocalists are also not the best in the world but there aren't too many songs here. I'd have to recommend McGegan's single disc recording on Harmonia Mundi for sound and value (all the "hits" are on it) but if you want the full picture then this is the way to go."

A Joy to the ears (Mostly!)

D Scott | Los Angeles, CA | 06/15/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These pieces, originally written by Bach for his wife as lessons for their children is delightful. Some of the pieces will be familiar, while others are just simply romps through the keyboard. I found some of the pieces a bit unfinished, and unpolished, yet still enjoyable! The pices are played on Harpsachord and Clavechord, two instruments that will quickly take any listener back to the times of Bach. These instruments lend themselves to give a light and airy rendering of the music. While I am not particularly a fan of operetic styles, there are a few of these scattered through-out. I tend to skip these, though even these are easy to enjoy. Overall, I highly reccommend this version as one of the best and well composed renderings of the little known notebook of Anna Magdelana Bach!"