Bach: Well Tempered Clavier (2008)

British pianist Jill Crossland has recorded the music of Johann Sebastian Bach on a few occasions, most notably in her 2006 release of the Goldberg Variations on Warner Classics, and her 2008 set of the complete Well-Tempered Clavier on Signum Classics. The latter release is an unpretentious looking package, ostensibly designed as a budget set, but it would be a mistake to discount the music it contains. Crossland presents the 48 preludes and fugues with considerable skill and artistry, and her traversal of this landmark of ... Read More

British pianist Jill Crossland has recorded the music of Johann Sebastian Bach on a few occasions, most notably in her 2006 release of the Goldberg Variations on Warner Classics, and her 2008 set of the complete Well-Tempered Clavier on Signum Classics. The latter release is an unpretentious looking package, ostensibly designed as a budget set, but it would be a mistake to discount the music it contains. Crossland presents the 48 preludes and fugues with considerable skill and artistry, and her traversal of this landmark of the piano literature is respectable and recommendable for any beginner. Crossland's playing is mainstream, insofar as her technique is modern and the sound she creates is fully pianistic, with a fair amount of pedaling and a generous keyboard tone. Purists who like their Bach crisp and dry, in imitation of the harpsichord of the composer's time, may be unimpressed with Crossland's approach, but other listeners who have no ax to grind over period style will appreciate her musicality... Read Less