Bach on Piano?

[Marc]

I'll check it out.

Sergio Vartolo's recording of Die Kunst der Fuge (Naxos) comes in mind, too.
Beautiful recording and a rather idiosyncratic performance.

[Wakefield]

True, and an excellent point.  But the fortepiano of Scarlatti's and Bach's time was little like a modern Steinway or Boesendorfer.

It's true, but not the important point here: the common feature between old and modern pianos, it's that they can be played at different volumes by hitting the keys harder or softer. By doing this it's possible to avoid the (sometimes) irritating percussive character of Scarlatti's music played on harpsichord.

[Marc]

No samples provided [....]

I know it's 'just' Scarlatti, but maybe this link works for you (from the Dutch central library):

http://www.muziekweb.nl/Link/CAX0089

[Ken B]

I don't get a headache from listening to harpsichord. I just get headaches. And when I already have one, harpsichord recordings make some of the most clangorous sounds. I like them fine, though, when I don't have a headache.

Hmmmmm. Might that bombastic Mahler be causing the headaches?

[Wakefield]

Can you please name me one recording where the sound is "very good" in your estimation then. Thanks.

There is a lot of modern examples. Just to mention one:

[asin]B000088SU7[/asin]

[Marc]

Awful. Sounds compressed & muted to shit.

Last try: the 'wet' Ruckers of Rousset:

http://www.classicsonline.com/catalogue/product.aspx?pid=1041054

[Wakefield]

Awful. Sounds compressed & muted to shit.

Of course, if you're listening to YouTube through a laptop.

[Marc]

Of course, if you're listening to YouTube through a laptop.

I still do a lot of library pre-listening.
Please Lord, save the Public Library from doom!

[Marc]

Nothing special here .. too ambient, muddy.

James, maybe the harpsichord just isn't your thing.
Better not waste any more listening time and remain faithful to the piano.

[Wakefield]

I still do a lot of library pre-listening.
Please Lord, save the Public Library from doom!

It's a nice chance. Unfortunately, our public libraries here in Chile don't almost have disks, just books. 

At some extent, I'm doing something similar via Spotify and Deezer.

[Wakefield]

I would have NEVER gotten into or bothered with Bach's music if I was presented the recordings you guys just suggested.

Another proof (unnecessary, anyway) of your superiority not just as a listener, but ultimately as human being. 

[Marc]

I would have NEVER gotten into or bothered with Bach's music if I was presented the recordings you guys just suggested.

I guess you'll have to wait for a harpsichord Goldberg, recorded in a helicopter.

[Sammy]

I would have NEVER gotten into or bothered with Bach's music if I was presented the recordings you guys just suggested.

Each suggestion was highly worthy; the problem is between you and the harpsichord.  I think you already knew this.

Which pianists do you prefer for Bach?  Maybe we can get some kind of consensus here.

[Jay F]

I guess you'll have to wait for a harpsichord Goldberg, recorded in a helicopter.

[mc ukrneal]

As someone who does not favor the sound of the harpsichord, I found a clip that I enjoyed. I am sure it would sound better on disc, but the warmth of the sound is evident even here, which is something I find to be quite rare in a harpsichord.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ISezbyLtzcg

[DavidW]

Oh I see it's that time of the year again, time for PI vs MI!  After that we can argue over atonality! 

I like Bach on the piano. 

This is what bugs me... Gorecki's Harpsichord Concerto played on piano... but played by his daughter.  Is that recording authentic or not?

[kishnevi]

ah, the wonders of Youtube - Chopin on Harpsichord

https://www.youtube.com/v/ZDB6-oXT8es

not sure about that one, but there's some interesting clips to be seen in the accompanying playlist of Youtube suggestions.

[Moonfish]

Yes. When Moonfish was saying he wanted to like harpsichord but was having trouble I suggested he stick to recent recordings until the tinny antiquated beast reshaped his soul. (Not in those words  )

I am happy to report that the relationship between myself and the realm of the harpsichord is rapidly improving (especially after all the great recommendations here on GMG). I am actually starting to enjoy Baumont's Couperin quite a bit at this point. It is an intriguing soundscape. At the same time I take time to enjoy different piano renditions as well.  The recent CPE Bach recordings by Markovina have been a delight!

[asin] B000OCZ7WK[/asin]

[Moonfish]

There is a lot of modern examples. Just to mention one:

[asin]B000088SU7[/asin]

Obviously we all have very different connections to the music we listen to........
This recording sounds both beautiful and intriguing based on the samples.

[Karl Henning]

Of course, if you're listening to YouTube through a laptop.

Touché!