Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Pianist Corner Best Bach Pianist

Since this thread has been resurrected (and, frankly, it's more interesting than a lot of other current threads ), I'll report that, even though I am a firm believer in the Gospel according to Glenn Gould, I've been recently returning, again and again, to a Bach pianist on the other end of the spectrum: Andras Schiff. The ornaments are flutterily beautiful.

-J

Andras Schiff, Murray Perahia, and Angela Hewitt for current players. All-time favorite is Edwin Fischer, he had a golden tone and incredible knack for characterization.

Gould... I like what little Bach Argerich plays as well!

Gould's E minor Toccata literally stopped me in my tracks when I heard it on the radio once. Bach's non-organ toccatas, with a few exceptions (perhaps D major and C minor) are woefully neglected.

Agreed. I have often wondered what she would do with the Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue.

Speaking of which, I once heard Brendel's recording of the CF&F. I realize he is very controversial to some -and I am not an unconditional admirer- but his recording brought out that joie de vivre, an aspect of Bach which so often lurks just under the surface.

Glenn Gould (since more than 3 decades),

Virgil Fox (on the organ),

Maria Tipo from Italy, especially I enjoy her Bach-Busoni recordings,

Simone Dinnerstein, and
Kimiko Ishizaka at http://www.opengoldbergvariations.org/

Martin Stadtfeld, "Pure Bach"

and some of the Bach recordings by Friedrich Gulda.

I like Jeremy Denk's Goldberg quite a bit. Maria Yudina is also a fascinating pianist.

My all time Bach interpreter is Sviatoslav Richter. Of the current pianists then Perahia and Sciff. The latter's teaching principles are so engaging and his explanations of the development of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas earlier denoted on this forum is a must hear podcast for every serious pianist. He is the most intelligent pianist i have heard.

Yes!

Rosalyn Tureck, Maria Tippo, Andras Schiff - used to think Gould but my tastes have changed. Still, his two recordings of the Goldberg are fascinating.

I like Simone Dinnerstein. I'm new to classical music so I don't know much about other pianists.

I like many others mentioned but I especially like these two

Tatiana Nikolayeva




Mieczyslaw Horszowski

And for living

Gregory Sokolov

I love Glenn Gould, I still have my parent's original copy of the 1955 Goldberg. Even though he's kind of weird, I can listen for hours.

Lately I've been listening to Rosalyn Tureck and now fully intend to explore more - that Fellner was wonderful, as was the Sokolov.

Have to say Gould. It's the attitude.

I would argue Gould is playing Gould and not Bach. But I also know this won't change anyone's mind.

re Vid:
Andras Schiff said something along the lines, that Glenn Gould would play Bach in a very unusual way, if not provocative. Nevertheless many people do adore Glenn Gould's interpretations.