English Suites BWV 806-811

This being the case, I am all the more disappointed by Schiff's rather insipid rendering of many of the movements on this 2-CD recording. Surely, he could put forth a more inspiring effort into his performance. Whereas some reviewers are touched by his 'understated elegance,' I find myself reaching for the volume knob instead. The opening A-E7 arpeggios of Track 1 are eked out as if played by a mouse, not so delicate as they are muffled. Perhaps it was the acoustics, I don't know, but I would expect more drive from Schiff, especially for the recording's opening bars!

Nonetheless, his well-measured pace and vitality shines through when it is needed most emphatically, as in the final Gigue of BWV 810 and (even more graciously) in the long and complex prelude of BWV 811.

In short, this recording is a mixed bag. If one cannot tolerate Gould's humming, however, this is your best bet.

Schiff, perhaps better known for his flawless treatment of Schubert's revered piano sonatas (London), gives a magical rendering to some of the great composer's more thoughtful music. If you're not convinced of the romantic and ground-breaking aspect of these suites, listen to the "Courante" and "Sarabande" of suite three in G minor. These brief movements are unutterably beautiful. Although sometimes a little too technical for his own good, Schiff is more than faithful to what I think Bach had in mind.

Again, this is piano music for life.