Description
Alexandra Papastefanou piano
Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)
The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846–893
48 Preludes and Fugues
4CD slim digifile packaging album
Press Quotes
‘The Union of Greek Theatre and Music Critics Award: Best Recording of 2018’
MusicWeb International RECORDING OF THE MONTH
“I’m very impressed with First Hand Records lavish production… Lovers of Bach keyboard works played on a modern concert grand need look no further… She approaches them in thoughtful and scholarly fashion and her readings reveal their sheer scope and range… What particularly attracts me is a quality sometimes missing in performances I’ve heard: that innate sense of architecture and structure, particularly in the fugues…. If any recording ticks all the right boxes for me, it’s this one…. This complete cycle stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the catalogue. I have every confidence it won’t be straying too far from reach.” (Stephen Greenbank, Musicweb) “Musically in the moment and convincing? Absolutely.” (BBC Music: PERFORMANCE ***** / SOUND ****)
“Stunning new Bach recording…. remarkable set of Bach’s 48. A seductive sense of freedom, and the wonderful feeling that the music is unfolding spontaneously, that Papastefanou is merely cueing the notes rather than reading and playing them. Fresh is the word” … “A remarkable recording of Bach on the piano. The recording venue Athens, the pianist Alexandra Papastefanou who has also studied composition, which will help explain why her performances are so appreciative and perceptive. Her new album of both books of Bach’s 48 Preludes and Fugues, also known as the Well-Tempered Clavier, is quite remarkable. Wonderful how Papastefanou varies the rhythm and highlights counterpoint from the inside of the music, rather like watching a three-dimensional side-show of warmly shaded falling petals. Such variety of tone colour, significantly heightened intensity too. This is Bach playing with a purpose, and to compound the effect she repeats both halves Preludes and Fugues. So an epic journey all-round, one you just have to make time for…. well I reckon that’s a really worthy Sure Shot” (Rob Cowan’s Classics ‘Sure Shot’, radio broadcaster and critic)
“…a seasoned and stylistically engaging Bach pianist… Beyond question, Papastefanou more than holds her own alongside the catalogue’s top piano versions of the ‘48’” (Gramophone)
“It reveals Papastefanou as a pianist with great technical knowledge and skill, a versatile pianist with great experience and deep knowledge of Bach’s music… A must for all Bach lovers, this record will definitely hold a place of honour in my record library” (Operattika)
“I’m very impressed with First Hand Records lavish production… Lovers of Bach keyboard works played on a modern concert grand need look no further… She approaches them in thoughtful and scholarly fashion and her readings reveal their sheer scope and range… What particularly attracts me is a quality sometimes missing in performances I’ve heard: that innate sense of architecture and structure, particularly in the fugues…. If any recording ticks all the right boxes for me, it’s this one…. This complete cycle stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the catalogue. I have every confidence it won’t be straying too far from reach.” (Stephen Greenbank, Musicweb) “Musically in the moment and convincing? Absolutely.” (BBC Music: PERFORMANCE ***** / SOUND ****)
“Stunning new Bach recording…. remarkable set of Bach’s 48. A seductive sense of freedom, and the wonderful feeling that the music is unfolding spontaneously, that Papastefanou is merely cueing the notes rather than reading and playing them. Fresh is the word” … “A remarkable recording of Bach on the piano. The recording venue Athens, the pianist Alexandra Papastefanou who has also studied composition, which will help explain why her performances are so appreciative and perceptive. Her new album of both books of Bach’s 48 Preludes and Fugues, also known as the Well-Tempered Clavier, is quite remarkable. Wonderful how Papastefanou varies the rhythm and highlights counterpoint from the inside of the music, rather like watching a three-dimensional side-show of warmly shaded falling petals. Such variety of tone colour, significantly heightened intensity too. This is Bach playing with a purpose, and to compound the effect she repeats both halves Preludes and Fugues. So an epic journey all-round, one you just have to make time for…. well I reckon that’s a really worthy Sure Shot” (Rob Cowan’s Classics ‘Sure Shot’, radio broadcaster and critic)
“…a seasoned and stylistically engaging Bach pianist… Beyond question, Papastefanou more than holds her own alongside the catalogue’s top piano versions of the ‘48’” (Gramophone)
“It reveals Papastefanou as a pianist with great technical knowledge and skill, a versatile pianist with great experience and deep knowledge of Bach’s music… A must for all Bach lovers, this record will definitely hold a place of honour in my record library” (Operattika)
More Alexandra Papastefanou on FHR:
J.S. BACH: 6 French Suites, BWV 812–817 • Sonata in D minor, BWV 964 (from BWV 1003) etc (2CD)
