"This is a marvelous release. I've never heard WTC:1 sound so light-fingered and humane. Aldwell's lyical use of voice-leading, tempo, rubato, and touch-sensitivity succeed in freeing these often times motor-note pieces from "metronome hell". They really do breathe.All you have to do is compare Jando's well-reviewed Naxos version of "Prelude in C" with Aldwell's to hear the profound difference between "playing the notes" and "making music". Even with this deceptiveliy simple piece, Aldwell brings a lithe vulnerability to the same arpeggios with which Jando barrels up and down the keyboard in rigid precision. Rest assured that Aldwell's playing throughout WTC:I remains just as intelligent and sensitive to the poetry of Bach's music."
Pure Poetry
L. Harrow | wishing i was on mars | 05/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have owned this set for several years now and the performances never cease to move and amaze me. Mr. Aldwell brings such care and attention to each prelude and fugue, and makes each one into a very special individual. The thought and emotion put into his interpetations show his extreme love for this music. Very highly recommended!"
WHY IS THIS OUT OF PRINT???
Stephen | Arkansas | 10/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the greatest Well-tempered Clavier Book 1 on the piano, PERIOD!
Forget Gould, Aldwell is the true successor to Tureck. His phrasing and style are perfect. I own 20 different recordings of the WTC and this is by far my favorite. In fact, I no longer listen to any other piano version.
Nonesuch as really committed a travesty here by letting this go out of print. Not only that but they have recently released another recording of the WTC Book 1...WHY?
To make matters worse, it appears people are trying to capitalize on the rareness of the recording and charging more than a $100 for a used copy.
Please Nonesuch...do the world a favor and re-release this brilliant recording!"
Noble Performances of Sensitive Humanity
Stephen | 12/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a marvelous release. I've never heard Bach's WTC sound so light-fingered and humane. Aldwell's poetic use of tempo, rubato and touch-sensitivity succeed in freeing these often times motor-note pieces from "metronome hell". They really breathe.All you have to do is compare Jando's well-reviewed Naxos version of "Prelude in C" with Aldwell's to hear the profound difference between "playing the notes" and "making music". Even with this deceptively simple piece, Aldwell brings a lithe vulnerability to the same arpeggios with which Jando barrels up and down the keyboard in metronomic precision. Rest assured that Aldwell's playing throughout BOOK ONE remains just as intelligent and sensitive to the musical meaning of Bach's notes. (And why hasn't the otherwise fine Gramophone or Penguin Guide ever seen fit to review this CD? Shame on them!)"
Track Listings (24) - Disc #1