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18th April 2008
****
“These three Bach partitas present Perahia at his most civilised. Awesome clarity in the fingerwork, yet nothing freezing into a mannerism: that’s the special hallmark of No 2. No 4 brings architectural grandeur, and a marvellously trilling courante. No 3’s sarabande twiddles its thumbs – the only spot where Perahia’s refinement outdistances feeling. Glenn Gould’s performance offers strutting quirks, but Perahia takes us close to heaven.”
12th April 2008
“[Perahia's] studies at the harpsichord have encouraged a lightness of touch in his piano playing here, even in the more solid movements such as the Second Partita's opening Sinfonia, where clarity and litheness seem more important to him than over-pedalled severity. The dances are enjoyed for their contrapuntal play as much as for their rhythmic course, and Perahia's ornamentation is judicious; only an occasionally over-emphasised sectional approach to structure mars the flow.”
July 2008
“In Murray Perahia's hands Bach's Partitas not only work well on the modern concert grand but also sound completely at home. The pianist's vibrant and variegated sonority perpetually sings, while his contrapuntal acumen leaves no detail unconsidered nor unduly fussed over.”
June 2008
*****
“Perahia's articulation cuts through the most intricate paragraphs and yet there's a searching spirituality, too…”
“truly outstanding … Perahia plays with perfect poise, clarity and intelligence, always mindful of the partitas’ perfect structure … it’s a joy from start to finish”
2011 edition
“Bach keyboard playing doesn't come any finer than this. A set of true distinction, most truthfully recorded.”
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