Bach WTC Book I, Prelude 1 in C major

[mc ukrneal]

Not long ago, and at the recommnedation from many here, I picked up Richter's WTC (complete). I listened to the first prelude and was blown away. I realized that I had not truly appreciated how the interpretation of this first prelude was coloring my opinion of the works as a whole. I had heard two other versions previously, neither of which I had liked and I had never gotten past the beginning. It made me wonder whether I was truly unlucky in my choices or whether I prefer a certain interpretation of this work. Thus, I have found several different versions on youtube to compare.

I thought it might be interesting to compare and contrast and vote for a favorite, but the voting is not as critical as sharing our thoughts. So feel free to listen in and share your thoughts (if you like) on the various interpretations (some include the fugues, and while I didn't focus on that  - you are most welcome to)...

The versions were:
Ashkenazy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdKj9ZwUgVw
Asperen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFmKfmMIyfs (three comparisons here - but only the first included for voting)
Busoni: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHZWSljLJ_A
Crossland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRnlUBL8jp8
Gilbert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqMgCYUJBuo&p=D9E6C683441EB7C2&index=1
Gould: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0egJr6nvCQI
Gulda: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KQW2YnCUrE
Pollini: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuzUMByBN2w
Lifschitz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDu3RfWzS_U
Richter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0h7UJgVZGk
Schiff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUBxydt6P7w (starts 20 seconds in)
Sokolov: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJm-ytracjs
Thomas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLZd_36puXA
Tureck I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P2cju5f9GQ

I think the thing that amazed me most was that for such a seemingly simple and straight forward piece, there were really very different interpretations.

[Holden]

Now which complete Richter did you get - the RCA studio or the Innsbruck live? Regardless, the RCA  P&F in C is just what you described it as - mind blowing!

Listening to the Youtube samples, the other performance that just stood out was the Busoni. The articulation of all the theme in the fugue was also mind blowing - not bad for a mono recording from the 1920s.

[mc ukrneal]

Now which complete Richter did you get - the RCA studio or the Innsbruck live? Regardless, the RCA  P&F in C is just what you described it as - mind blowing!

Listening to the Youtube samples, the other performance that just stood out was the Busoni. The articulation of all the theme in the fugue was also mind blowing - not bad for a mono recording from the 1920s.

Richter was RCA.

I too liked the Busoni. Actually, the sound is completely amazing considering the time it is from.

[DavidRoss]

Interesting comparison...especially interesting to hear the Busoni recording.  Hadn't heard Ashkenazy, loved his tone and touch, but much too slow.  Hated Sokolov's 100 meter dash version, and Gould's perversity.  Agree there's much to admire in Richter but his delicate softness makes me think of background music for toilet tissue advertisements.  Surprised that I preferred Gulda in this to Schiff, and preferred Jill Crossland to them all.  Too bad Angela Hewitt's not included.

[Sergeant Rock]

Favorites are the slow ones: Turek's deep contemplation and Ashkenazy's magical serenity. In fact, I liked Ashkenazy's so much I may order his WTC. Busoni's was very interesting; I love his fugue.

Sarge

[Bulldog]

I voted for Tureck (no big suprise for those who know my general preferences).  With her very slow tempo, Tureck is able to offer us a musical story.  Also, her blend of gentleness and precise order is exactly how I view this prelude.

My "close but no prize" versions come from van Asperen and Schiff.  van Asperen's interpretation absolutely glows and I love how Schiff increases the music's urgency as he progresses.

I would like to point out that the CD versions are so much more revealing than these poor sounding youtubes.  This especially goes for the Gould account which I find outstanding on CD but actually annoying on youtube, specifically those staccato notes.

[Scarpia]

Favorites are the slow ones: Turek's deep contemplation and Ashkenazy's magical serenity. In fact, I liked Ashkenazy's so much I may order his WTC. Busoni's was very interesting; I love his fugue.

I've been making my way through Ashkenazy's WTC by fits and starts.   His technique is still there and a fair fraction of the preludes and fugues comes off beautifully, the ones that don't typically strike me as a bit lead footed.  If you are expecting bold interpretive statements from this set you may be disappointed.

[mc ukrneal]

I find it fascinating the love for Tureck.  Tureck is the reason I looked for a different version. I feel she loses the thread and clangs too much (no warmth). I have the BBC version and I just have not bonded with it. And yet, here are some others who think she does it best of all!! Amazing that we should have such different opinions. I really enjoy hearing all the different thoughts.

[DavidRoss]

I find it fascinating the love for Tureck.  Tureck is the reason I looked for a different version. I feel she loses the thread and clangs too much (no warmth). I have the BBC version and I just have not bonded with it. And yet, here are some others who think she does it best of all!! Amazing that we should have such different opinions. I really enjoy hearing all the different thoughts.

Yes--for instance, I really respect Bulldog Don's opinions in general and re. Bach keyboard especially, but don't find Tureck nearly as compelling as he does.  That does not mean, however, that I'm not interested in hearing what he has to say, for even if our tastes don't exactly coincide, I know where he's coming from and value his thoughts.

[Bulldog]

I find it fascinating the love for Tureck.  Tureck is the reason I looked for a different version. I feel she loses the thread and clangs too much (no warmth). I have the BBC version and I just have not bonded with it. And yet, here are some others who think she does it best of all!! Amazing that we should have such different opinions. I really enjoy hearing all the different thoughts.

The BBC sound is rather clinical and stark compared to the DG which is loaded with warmth.

[anasazi]

When listening to Richter's performance via a snipit on Amazon.com, I fell in love with his playing.  But after getting his CDs and listening to them on my player, I felt that the sound quality was kind of bad.  Nice performance however.  I try and copy it myself.

But the intriguing thing (for me) about the Prelude in C is that (gasp) I have this strange feeling that it was not composed by Sebastian Bach.  Perhaps Anna Magdalena or maybe by Christian.  I am no Bach scholar, but I have spent 4 or 5 years playing book 1 nearly every day.  The prelude in C just doesn't feel  like the others. It really doesn't feel like Sebastian Bach to me.  I do not think I can really explain it more than this. 

Other than Richter's superb performance (and terrible recording) I  think I like Hewitt's the best of those available.  Tureck's is also good as well.   Gould seems to be making fun of the music.

[Coopmv]

Here is an excellent set IMO.  I bought the set last year ...

[Bulldog]

Here is an excellent set IMO.  I bought the set last year ...

I also find the Crochet set excellent, but "sets" are not the subject of this thread.  Anything to say about Crochet's Prelude in C major/Bk. 1?

[extrabigmehdi]

hi,
I know this is an old thread, but since I've just discovered it recently while doing some musical search (what is the best WTC ?? etc... seems the best forum to answer this).
Anyway, to answer the question to this thread , the best version for me is the one that looks the more to "ave maria" song. In fact I  didn't like this song before hearing the prelude from bach ... Until I've made the comparison , and that the melody became obvious to me
I  voted for gulda, by listening at first few notes only. But otherwise it would be Ashkenazy.
cheers

[mc ukrneal]

hi,
I know this is an old thread, but since I've just discovered it recently while doing some musical search (what is the best WTC ?? etc... seems the best forum to answer this).
Anyway, to answer the question to this thread , the best version for me is the one that looks the more to "ave maria" song. In fact I  didn't like this song before hearing the prelude from bach ... Until I've made the comparison , and that the melody became obvious to me
I  voted for gulda, by listening at first few notes only. But otherwise it would be Ashkenazy.
cheers

Welcome! This forum is a bit different, and we welcome reviving old threads. Glad you enjoyed it!