The Bottom Line
Those with an affinity for music by Bach or exquisite piano performance will no doubt like Murray Perahia's Bach Partitas 2, 3, and 4. Those of you looking for a performance of the Partitas on the instrument for which they were intended (the harpsichord), keep looking.
Pros
- Fine example of Bach's Partitas
- Superb performance by Murrary Perahia
Cons
- Would have liked these works to be performed on the keyboard of Bach's time - the harpsichord
Description
- Released 2008
- 1 Disk, 20 Tracks
- Total Play Time: 60:12
Guide Review - Murray Perahia - Bach Partitas 2, 3, & 4
Bach's partitas are the first works ever published by Bach - his "Opus 1" as he referred to them. Bach said the partitas were "offered to music lovers in order to refresh their spirits" and refresh them they did. The partitas became widely popular. The meaning of the word "partita" essentially means a dance suite or movement. Bach's French inspired partitas sound very modern compared to its precursors, and are actually quite advanced. Bach's exceptional composing skills are clearly on display. The partitas are complex, yet simple. They are full of exciting rhythms, delightful harmonies, and light-hearted melodies.
Born in 1947, American pianist, Murray Perahia has been performing for over thirty years, giving his first performance in 1973. His talents have led him to open Carnegie Hall's 117th season on October 3, 2007, as well as being awarded an honorary KBE by Her Majesty The Queen of England in 2004. Perahia has worked and collaborated with many famous musicians and composers including Vladimir Horowitz and Benjamin Britten. In 2003, Perahia won a GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance for his album "Frederic Chopin’s complete Etudes, Op. 10 and Op. 25."
Top Tracks
- Partita No. 4 in D Major, Mvmt 4. Aria - Preview, Purchase and Download
- Partita No. 2 in C Minor, Mvmt 6, Capriccio - Preview, Purchase and Download
- Partita No. 3 in A Minor, Mvmt 6, Scherzo - Preview, Purchase and Download
