The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II, BWV 846–893

Johann Sebastian Bach

BWV 846–893

Recordings

Top Choice

Andras Schiff

mid-1980s

Gil's top recommendation to start with. A 'natural interpretation' that isn't flashy. Praised for its 'wonderful balance, beautiful tone, wonderfully poised,' and 'well-proportioned' playing, calling it an 'excellent way to get to know the work.'

Also Worth Hearing

Sviatoslav Richter

early 1970s

The 'more individual' alternative, 'oozing with artistry and personality.' It's exciting, probing, and features 'wonderful contrasts' and 'wonderful dynamics.' Gil notes the sound is 'a little bit fuzzy.'

Angela Hewitt

2008

Similar to Schiff's 'natural' approach. A 'delicate, sensitive interpretation' with 'wonderful tone' and 'sumptuously recorded' sound that 'allows the greatness of the music to come out.'

Tatiana Nikolaeva

1984

A 'very strong,' 'clear,' and 'somewhat assertive' performance that is also 'sensitive and artistic' and allows the work's logic to shine. Very good sound quality.

Kenneth Gilbert

1983

A 'natural,' 'straightforward,' and artistic harpsichord version that isn't flashy. It has a 'beautiful sound, just very full and nice and deep' that lets you 'luxuriate' in the music.

Helmut Walcha

early 1970s

Described as 'granitic' and 'disciplined' (like Klemperer). It's a bit slower, with a 'mesmerizing effect,' 'relentless artistry,' and 'concentrated, really wonderful interpretation.'

Label: Deutsche Grammophon · early 1970s

Wanda Landowska

late 1940s/early 1950s

An 'iconic' version that is 'illuminating,' 'insightful,' 'disciplined,' and 'imaginative.' The sound is better than her 30s recordings but still 'somewhat dim, somewhat clangy.'

Label: RCA · late 1940s/early 1950s

Samuel Feinberg

late 1950s/early 1960s

Gil's potential 'if I had to choose one go-to version.' The sound is dim, but the interpretation is 'wonderful,' with 'romantically phrased,' 'warm, flexible tempos' and 'great musical judgment.'

Edwin Fischer

1930s

An 'old gramophone classic' in the romantic tradition. It's a 'real tour de force of fingerwork virtuosity,' playing some parts 'really fast,' but also showing 'wonderful delicacy and use of color and imagination.' Sound is 'fairly clear' but has hiss.