Who is the best interpreter of Bach's piano compositions nowadays...?

Question

I love Bach's music and being a piano player myself, I would like to find a good role model to play his music...

Answer 1

You have two living proponents of Bach's music played on the piano that are excellent:

Angela Hewitt and Andras Schiff.

Miss Hewitt actually has a "masterclass" on the subject of Bach on the piano available for purchase.

Answer 2

Best Bach Piano

Answer 3

J. S. Bach wrote no piano music. His keyboard works were for clavichord, harpsichord, or organ. Many of his compositions did not specify the exact instrument of execution, thus allowing their use for a variety of possibilities. However, the bulk of his keyboard compositions were for the harpsichord.



While most of us enjoy hearing these works played with care and informed sensitivity on the heavier, and less articulate, piano they are best heard on the harpsichord by such masters as Wanda Landowska. As a harpsichordist, she executes all of the delicate Baroque intricacies of ornamentation that Bach incorporates. The heavy-handed Glenn Gould (with his odd showmanship antics) often obliterated these refinements to the lament of many -- smashing and bashing his way through the music with little regard for Baroque-period keyboard conventions.



Certainly as a pianist you will want to study and play Bach's magnificent keyboard works; but for accurate interpretation, look to harpsichord renditions, not piano versions.



Cliff E. (classic guitarist)

Answer 4

Some find Schiff rhythmically weak, quite awful, which you absolutely cannot have in Bach. Hewitt is good, and Fellner is well worth tracking down and listening to no matter what. Trifonov sp can play with strength. Of course Gould really sets the standard for clarity and rock-steadiness, though a quarter of the time it can be brutal and worse. Some of Tureck is okay, yes, to my ear.

Answer 5

I am sure there are MANY..

best or not, is just personal preference



if you are looking for an orthodox approach..

I will say..Rosalyn Tureck



I like Angela Hewitt as well, I enjoy those Hyperion recordings a lot..



Glenn Gould, I find his approach more, artistic and personal in nature..

Answer 6

Search Myspace Music for Bach and you will see alot of classically inspired metal bands. You might have luck there.

Answer 7

There was Glenn Gould, widely considered the greatest Bach interpreter ever, my personal favourite.



There's also Martha Argerich and András Schiff, both of who are phenomenal at Bach.

I'd go with Gould though, his interpretations are always very profound.