Bach Toccatas

[sidoze]

I've been listening to the C minor Toccata quite a lot lately. Could I get a piano-only recommendation for the whole set, or for very good single performances which I could track down? I'm especially interested in the minor key ones. And I admit I haven't heard Gould play these yet 

[Don]

I've been listening to the C minor Toccata quite a lot lately. Could I get a piano-only recommendation for the whole set, or for very good single performances which I could track down? I'm especially interested in the minor key ones. And I admit I haven't heard Gould play these yet 

I'd have to go with Gould for a piano version; his adagios are so sublime.  However, Peter Watchorn on harpsichord is my favorite on whatever instrument.

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

The toccatas are probably among my least favorite Bach compositions, but I do like Feinberg's recording of the D maj, BWV 912. I also concur with the recommendation for Gould.

[val]

My choice, in the piano, is Gould. One of his best moments in Bach (with the Inventions and the Goldberg Variations).

But Leonhardt in the harpsichord gave a superb interpretation of the Toccatas BWV 912 and 913 (RCA SEON)

[sidoze]

The toccatas are probably among my least favorite Bach compositions

I haven't heard all of them but would tend to agree. Thanks for the suggestions (even though everyone said Gould). Looks like I asked the question at the right time as it seems his recordings are being rereleased here.

FWIW, I was listening to the Argerich Cm Toccata on DG.

[head-case]

I haven't heard all of them but would tend to agree. Thanks for the suggestions (even though everyone said Gould). Looks like I asked the question at the right time as it seems his recordings are being rereleased here.

FWIW, I was listening to the Argerich Cm Toccata on DG.

Hewitt's set is an alternative.  In about 7 seconds someone will post that they are boring.  However I think Bach is never boring if it is played with clarity and taste (which it is by Hewitt).

[sidoze]

Hewitt's set is an alternative.  In about 7 seconds someone will post that they are boring. 

Actually I had thought that very thing after finishing your first sentence  Recently RMCR has held a discussion about her 'improved' Bach -- apparently much more pianistic, wider dynamics, fluctuations of tempo and so on. Might be an improvement for those of us who dislike her old recordings (can't say I've ever appreciated them). Will have to pass on this.

[Josquin des Prez]

The toccatas are probably among my least favorite Bach compositions

They are mostly juvenile pieces, and to be frank i never understood their popularity. They can be fun if you get a good performer though, and the fugues are really nice. 

In about 7 seconds someone will post that they are boring. 

They are boring. Sorry.

I'm especially interested in the minor key ones.

I wouldn't sneer over the G major one. Actually, that's not even a toccata (not sure why it was bunched with the rest, maybe because the third movement is a fugue) but a concerto in the Italian style, and a very good one at that (considering it's an early work and all).

[Josquin des Prez]

Peter Watchorn on harpsichord is my favorite on whatever instrument.

I prefer Menno Van Delft myself. For all it's faults, the brilliant set has some really interesting performers scattered about.

[prémont]

They are mostly juvenile pieces, and to be frank i never understood their popularity. They can be fun if you get a good performer though, and the fugues are really nice. 

They are written in Stylus phantasticus, and should be played accordingly. Most recordings play the phantastic element of the music down, and the result is boring.