Reviewed by John Irvine

Bach's "Partitas" were the first of his solo instrumental works to be published. Typically for Bach, an overall plan for the selection and presentation of his pieces is evident: Bach's highly organised and precise mind is evident in most of his compositions - it's one of the attractions in his music. While technically demanding, the Partitas are nevertheless enjoyable to listen to, a very fluid left hand continuo constantly contrasted with a melodic right hand passage. Each of the six Partitas are subdivided into six or seven dances according to the convention of the day. Although you couldn't actually dance to this music, each section conveys the flavour and feel of the courtly dance it mimics: the Allemande, the Sarabande, the Gique, etc. As originally intended, these pieces are played by Ketil Haugsand on a harpsichord rather than on a modern piano. Haugsand's playing is precise, strictly rhythmic and fluid - everything a Bach recording should be. Haugsand's only real problem is that he bears more than a passing resemblance to Gareth (the fat one) from Hale and Pace (honest!), and should never show his face on a CD sleeve again! A very fine pair of discs, and a warmly recommended recording. If your idea of a harpsichord playing is of two skeleton's tap dancing on a tin roof, think again: this recording will make you realise that harpsichord playing can indeed be expressive as well as precise and Haugsand really makes his harpsichord sing. Bach would have been proud of him.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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