The present release attests to Evgeny Koroliov’s standing among the most stylish, thought-provoking, technically accomplished, and emotionally fulfilling Bach pianists who ever lived. He probes the Chromatic Fantasy’s daring modulations with exuberant respect in the central improvisatory sequences and keeps the rhythmic momentum alive and unsagging in the companion fugue; he brings a stunning variety of voicings and articulations to the French Overture in B minor, all of which draw attention to the music rather than the pianist; and he takes portions of the second Bourée’s “A” section up an octave and brilliantly clarifies Bach’s ricocheting dynamic changes in the concluding Echo. The Italian Concerto’s myriad solo/orchestral contrasts are impeccably realized, although Koroliov’s bass notes in the slow movement are too clipped and static to support the right hand melodic material. I like Koroliov’s free-flowing way with the Four Duets, as well as his unusual yet effective slow tempo for the last A minor selection. The pianist stops the fragmentary, intensely chromatic C minor Fantasy and Fugue in mid-stream, right at the point where Bach’s manuscript breaks off. What a spooky way to end an extraordinary recital!
