This Audio CD Music item from Nonesuch was reviewed on 23-Oct-2008.
Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5 Reference Music. Classifications : General Classical Styles Music General Chamber Music Classical Styles Music Bach, Johann Sebastian ( B ) Featured Composers, A-Z Classical Styles Music Goode, Richard ( G ) Featured Performers, A-Z Cl . Click the following link to view the cover of Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5. Related topics: Ouverture. Allemande. Courante. Aria. Sarabande. Menuet. Gigue. Sinfonia. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Rondeaux. Capriccio. Praeambulum. Allemande. Courante. Sarabande. Tempo di Minuetta. Passepied. Gigue. General. Classical. Styles. Music. General. Chamber Music. Classical. Styles. Music. ( B ). requestid: d456ab61-2bc7-4677-9711-e14638a08799
requestprocessingtime: 0.2085670000000000
salesrank: 129066
packagedimensions: 5455518497
1) Audio CD Music Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5 by Nonesuch. Goode is a technically gifted pianist and often a delicately insightful interpreter of 19th C music. I wouldn´t bother to listen to anyone else performing the Bach partitas on modern piano. In this case, I find myself agreeing with the other reviewers that the effort was almost successful, but I wouldn´t recommend spending your money on the disk when you can just as easily: A>buy the Trevor Pinnock recording of the partitas on harpsichord, and B>buy a Richard Goode recording of Brahms or Schubert, whose music Goode can play very well indeed. By the way, I´m delighted to note that the other amazon reviewers all seem to share my willingness to let the Glen Gould recordings fade into oblivion, grunts and all.¤ 2) Audio CD Music Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5 by Nonesuch. Richard Goode´s recording of the 2nd, 4th, and 5th partitas of Bach can be analyzed, compared, contrasted, etc. but what really matters is the way this pianist communicates the spirit of Bach. This is playing neither of false piety nor self glorification.
Goode´s thorough concept of these pieces is put at the service of the composer and communicates the genuine human nature, faith, and life affirmation which are the hallmarks of Bach´s music.
More importantly than this or that tempo or such a phrasing, Goode gets through to the meaning of the music. That´s why I listen to this recording.¤ 3) Audio CD Music Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5 by Nonesuch. This is generally a very good recording, but I disagree a little with some of the phrasing and tempi. For the D major Partita, the Ouverture is a bit too fast, the dotted rythm becomes jerky if you play it at that speed. The allegro section is then perhaps a little too slow, and also Mr. Goode varies the tempo quite a bit. This is distracting, there seems to be no musical need to do that except in very few places. The Allemande (which to me stands out in all of Bach keyboard music) is pretty, but could be more expressive. Overall it is one of the most sincere and cleanest Bach recordings I know, as there are a lot of very mechanical interpretations around that are exceedingly dull, and do not do justice to the old master. Mr. Goode´s record is a good investment as his playing style is timeless. Last but not least: What disastrous marketing person put that very unflattering photo on the cover? I am sorry, but I almost decided not to buy this record because of this.¤ 4) Audio CD Music Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5 by Nonesuch. From start to finish, Richard Goode has released a collection of Bach Partitas that is clear, refined, and heart-felt. Although it is sensitive and lyrical, it is devoid of any Gouldish allargando and rubato. His playing is never harsh and is pianistic. I applaude this tangible yet not overdone approach to Bach.¤ 5) Audio CD Music Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5 by Nonesuch. Goode does a great job of rescuing Bach from the Early Music folks and making him come alive on the piano. His playing is lively, with a beautiful sound and a flexible sense of rhythm. If you´re tired of uninflected, rhythmically static Bach, you will definitely enjoy this album.¤ 6) Audio CD Music Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5 by Nonesuch. Anyone who thinks Glenn Gould´s riveting, ascetic approach changed Bach piano playing forever should listen to this disc. Richard Goode is too fine a musician to blur Bach´s textures or to mess up the music with romantic tempo fluctuations. But he does play Bach as piano music, with plenty of dynamic gradations and a predominantly lyrical approach. His tempo for the Allemande of the Fourth Partita is daringly slow, although he can toss off a gigue like the wind, if he likes. While this is not the most stylish Bach playing by contemporary standards, every movement is strongly characterized and every note carefully considered. Call Goode a throwback, if you like, but even if you have second thoughts about his playing, it´s completely convincing while you´re listening. --Leslie Gerber¤ Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 20-Nov-2008, 075597948325, XRB-YAB-2DB-03B-5LB-TAB-8 
Bach: Partitas Nos. 2, 4, 5, Music, Image © Nonesuch
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