Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

[Mandryka]

Purchased and listened to. Yes, this is a very special interpretation. Heidsieck's exquisite contrapuntal understanding results in a remarkable "inner life" in the fugues. He also has got the ability to make the piano sing so it sometimes sounds almost like an organ.
Thanks @Mandryka for the recommendation.

Do be sure to try his Haendel too. It's a long time since I last heard it, but I remember thinking he made a lot of music with those scores. And he doesn't limit himself to the great eight.

[prémont]

Do be sure to try his Haendel too. It's a long time since I last heard it, but I remember thinking he made a lot of music with those scores. And he doesn't limit himself to the great eight.

I'll see if I can.
Regarding his later recordings of the LvB sonatas, I've been a bit disappointed. The enchantment from the early complete set is gone.

[Mandryka]

I'll see if I can.
Regarding his later recordings of the LvB sonatas, I've been a bit disappointed. The enchantment from the early complete set is gone.

I can let you have the Haendel of course, though I must say I just want back to one of them (suite 11 -- chosen randomly) and didn't enjoy at all. The touch is slightly Gouldian.)

I can't recall much about the Beethoven, early or late!

[prémont]

Interesting because I just associated to Gould when I heard Heidsieck's preludes in c-minor and e-minor from WTC II - but not the others, and certainly not at all the fugues where I think he far surpasses Gould as to musical insight. But of course I would love to hear his Händel.

[AnotherSpin]

There's no doubt that I've never listened to Bach or Handel performed by Éric Heidsieck. I only ever heard his Beethoven, and my impressions were rather mixed.

Still, after reading the recent comments in this thread, I got really motivated to fix this omission right away and listen to his Bach and Händel recordings, more so since Qobuz immediately provided such an opportunity.

The second book of the Well-Tempered Clavier left a somewhat mixed aftertaste. It's definitely not bad, but I'm not sure I'll feel like returning to it anytime soon.

Händel, on the other hand, is genuinely very good. I'm really enjoying listening to it.

[Mandryka]

But of course I would love to hear his Händel.

these ae now on symphonyshare.

[prémont]

these are now on symphonyshare.

Miraculous. Thanks.