SIX PARTITAS (BWV 825-830)

Trevor Pinnock takes a break from the conducting rostrum for his first solo harpsichord outing in many a moon, revisiting the Bach keyboard partitas he first recorded back in the mid-1980s for DG Archiv. I'm happy to report that Pinnock's whirlwind conducting schedule has not eroded his keyboard command one whit. Full-time harpsichordists would sell their souls to match the elegant turns, firmly centered contrapuntal playing, and inhumanly even trills Pinnock commands with little surface effort. More significantly, his interpretations have blossomed in gravity and insight. Tempo relationships between movements flow more organically and benefit from enlivened melodic inflection. Listen to the controlled freedom of the Sarabandes, or the ease with which Pinnock effects transitions throughout the D major and E minor Partitas' opening movements. In contrast to his previous recording, Pinnock observes all the repeats, employing subtle registration changes and tasteful embellishments the second time around. The excellent sonics add body to the harpsichordist's juicy lute stop in the menuets and just enough space between instrument and listener. Anyone seeking the Bach Partitas on harpsichord should not miss this release. --Jed Distler, ClassicsToday.com