CD ECM Records Andras Schiff - Bach: Six Partitas

Andras Schiff - Piano

Bach - Partita V in G major, BWV 829
Bach - Partita III in a minor, BWV 827
Bach - Partita I in B-flat major, BWV 825
Bach - Partita II in c minor, BWV 826
Bach - Partita IV in D major, BWV 828
Bach - Partita VI in e minor, BWV 830


Following last year’s completion of his highly-praised Beethoven cycle András Schiff returns to Bach with a superb interpretation of the six “Partitas”, recorded live in September 2007 at Neumarkt Reitstadl one of the best piano music venues in Eurpoe. The cycle, which in 1731 was the first group of works to be published by Bach himself, represents a unique stylistic synthesis of the suite form with a particular emphasis on most varied and imaginative opening movements. In his 1802 biography of Bach, Nikolaus Forkel famously wrote that “such splendid compositions for the clavier had not been seen or heard before… so brilliant, harmonious, expressive and constantly novel are they.” Compared to his London studio recording of 1983 this second rendering on disc demonstrates Schiff’s stylistic development towards more freedom, sonic depth and sheer pleasure of phrasing. The rather unorthodox sequence of partitas – 5 – 3 – 1 – 2 – 4 – 6 – draws an ascending line of keys leading from G major to e minor.

International Record Review, Outstanding
Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, Bestenliste 4/2009
Pizzicato, Supersonic

Mr. Schiff’s tempos are brisker and harder driven now, and the clarity of texture that has long been his hallmark is greatly magnified: his articulation could hardly be sharper, and his ability to sustain it through a performance of all six works in one sitting is extraordinary. …
Allan Kozinn, The New York Times

His interpretive approach eludes definition. An artful blend of intuition and analysis has gone into his preparation. Yet the results are constantly surprising
Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, April 2009

It is Schiff’s artistic individuality that makes these recordings unique and comparable to the greatest Beethoven cycles, offering a vision for the future through his research into the past. Schiff takes us with him on his journey that, however many times repeated, brings us to the music refreshed and renewed.
Malcolm Miller, International Piano, Autumn 2008

Schiff’s depth of musical understanding is priceless.
David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Inquirer