J.S. Bach: English Suites/Andrea Bacchetti

Jed Distler

Artistic Quality:

Sound Quality:

The young Italian pianist Andrea Bacchetti has garnered serious attention and high praise in the European press for his prowess with new music (he recorded Berio’s complete piano works) as well as for his Bach interpretations. While Bacchetti’s English Suites may not match the lightness, transparency, and varied articulations Angela Hewitt and András Schiff bring to the table, his warm sonority, singing line, and expressive intensity proudly hold their own in such world-class company. His eloquent melodic shaping of the Bourées (Suites One and Two) and the Fourth Suite’s Menuets illustrate my point, and so does this pianist’s uncommonly introspective approach to the Sixth Suite Prelude’s introduction. Repeats offer ample opportunity for Bacchetti to make subtle adjustments in voicing or to add imaginative yet never overwrought ornaments. However, you might desire just a pinch more animation and stronger dance-like impulse in the peppier outer movements. Decca’s sonics convey formidable impact and bottom-up detail, giving the impression that the Fazioli grand’s bass notes are bowed rather than hammered. Recommended.


Recording Details:

Reference Recording: Hewitt (Hyperion), Schiff (Decca), Perahia (Sony)

J.S. BACH - English Suites

    Soloists: Andrea Bacchetti (piano)

  • Record Label: Decca - 476 3127
  • Medium: CD

Search Music Reviews

Search Sponsor

  • Insider Reviews only
  • Click here for Search Tips

Visit Our Merchandise Store

Visit Store
  • Benjamin Bernheim Rules as Met’s Hoffmann
    Benjamin Bernheim Rules as Met’s Hoffmann Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, NY; Oct 24, 2024 Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann is a nasty work. Despite its
  • RIP David Vernier, Editor-in-Chief
    David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com’s founding Editor-in-Chief passed away Thursday morning, August 1, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. The end came shockingly quickly. Just a
  • Finally, It’s SIR John
    He’d received many honors before, but it wasn’t until last week that John Rutter, best known for his choral compositions and arrangements, especially works related