Konstantin Lifschitz will be playing both books of Well-Tempered on May 24th, at Le Petit Trianon Theatre in San Jose, CA.

I've never heard of this guy, all I know is his Goldberg recording is somwhat recognized. So, anyone heard him live?

Ps. Even though several pianists have played WTC before, it still amazes me to know that someone can play 48 preludes and fugues in one sitting. I used to wonder how many fugues one can keep in one's brain. 48 fugues* average 3.5 vices= 168 voices memorized. Don't these voices get screwed up somehow?

Lifschitz GV is more than somewhat recognized. I have this CD. It is one of the best, IMHO. He recorded when he was still rather young. His playing, to this pair of ears, transcends his tender age.

As to the amazing repertoire and memory of the pianists, I believe these pianists are NOT the rank and file. They have to have a big talent to be where they are. They're, without exception, all fast learners. In addition, most of them have excellent retaining memory, if you know what I mean.

If you're near by all means go to this recital series. Lifschitz' Bach is quite special, sort of like that of Koroliov(sp?).

He's playing *both* books in one recital? Wouldn't this take close to 4 hours or more?

I don't think it's one recital...

I went back and re-read the flyer: "from Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1 and 2"... guess I was too excited to see the word "WTC 1 and 2" overlook the crucial word "from"

Now, probably no one has played BOTH books in one sitting, right?

Actually, I had a lecture from a pianist/organist at uni a few months ago (and I CANNOT remember his name-think brain, think!!!) and I think he said that he was the 'first person' to play both books in one performance. The night consisted of the whole of the first book, followed by a long intermission with dinner, and then the second book. I think that the audience could choose to stay for all of it, or just one book.
I'm not sure though if he was the first in the world, or Australia (where i live) to do it though. If i can find out his name, i'll come back and let you know!!

sure thing