With the ghost of Glenn Gould gently hovering above, Martin Stadtfeld’s dry-point articulation, rhythmic incisiveness, and sparkling trills significantly contribute to the mix (incidentally, Sony ought to release Stadtfeld’s excellent Goldberg Variations in the U.S.).
-- Jed Distler, ClassicsToday.com reviewing Stadtfeld and Jan Vogler's recording of Bach's Gamba Sonatas, Sony 757519
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Stadtfeld plays the aria..., as well as all 30 variations in between, once through absolutely to the letter... But in the repetitions - and in all 32 sections of the work the played da capos are stipulated - time and again Stadtfeld allows himself a few personal notes, in which he illuminates Bach’s sound in an unusually bold and newly measured way, through strengthened contrasts, tonal broadenings and doublings. In doing so, he also doubles the fun: he plays Bach and plays with Bach. The result is pure class.
