Bach: Keyboard Masterworks / Andrew Rangell

Release Date: 11/19/2013

Label: Steinway & Sons Catalog #: 30024

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach Performer: Andrew Rangell Number of Discs: 3

Recorded in: Stereo

Works on Recording
Notes and Reviews

Credits:
The Goldberg Variations, Toccata, and Ricercars were recorded in October 1989 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, New York.
Producer: Edwin I. Lawrence
Engineers: Craig D. Dory, David H. Walters
Douglas Brown, Brian C. Peters
Post-Session Producers: Ediwn I Lawrence, Andrew Rangell
Editor: Brian C. Peters
Piano: Steinway Model D (New York)

The Six Partitas were recorded in June 2000 a tthe Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Borston, MA.
Producer: Andrew Rangell
Engineer: Thomas Stephenson
Editor: Matthew Packwood
Piano: Steinway Model D (New York)
Piano Technician: Anthony McKenna

This reissue was mastered Read more for Steinway & Sons by Brad Michel.
Executive Producers for Steinway & Sons: Eric Feidner and Jon Feidner
Art direction: Oberlander Group

Reviews:
BACH Goldberg Variations . 6 Partitas. The Musical Offering: 2 Ricercars. Toccata in f# � Andrew Rangell (pn) � STEINWAY & SONS 30024 (3 CDs: 211:35)

Less than a generation ago, it seemed as if playing Bach on a modern piano would become a sort of quaint anachronism, washed away by the ascendency of the period instrument movement. Of course, there was the huge legacy of Glenn Gould, who received a pass because he was a singular artistic phenomenon, and because, even though he used the �wrong� instrument, he was a critical player in the Bach revival of the second half of the 20th century. Today, there are more recordings of Bach on the piano than ever. I don�t think it is a stretch to say that Andrew Rangell�s widely acclaimed series of recordings for the now defunct Dorian label in the 1990s was a powerful impetus towards the current situation. His recording of the Goldberg Variations, along with The Musical Offering ricercars and the Toccata in F# Minor, all played on a modern piano, came across as anti-Gould, with an emphasis on the magnificent lyricism of the music, presented with generally relaxed tempos.

Since Rangell�s recording of the Goldberg Variations over two decades ago, an almost unbelievable flood of recordings on the piano of this beloved music has been released, and more is still coming. And yet Rangell�s version holds up very well, sounding smart and distinctive, and unabashedly sensual. The Dorian recordings, made in the acoustically lovely Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, are all included on this very rewarding three-CD set, an ArkivMusic production for Steinway. There is also a 2000 recording of the Six Partitas, made in Boston�s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. A 20-year stretch in an artist�s career can have any number of affects. There may be a deepening in some cases, but Rangell sounds essentially like the same interpreter. If anything, there seems to be a bit more reticence in the newer recording, perhaps reflecting a loss of some youthful exuberance. What remains consistent is the pianist�s gently probing intellect and his abiding respect for the sheer beauty of the music.

I can�t imagine anyone who loves this music not thoroughly enjoying this set, but of course the range of choices for the consumer is immense. I would not even attempt any kind of ranking among modern piano recordings of Bach, especially in the case of the Goldbergs, but I do have a special affection for Vladimir Feltsman�s magical recent recording of the Partitas.

FANFARE: Peter Burwasser

"Highly present, transparent recordings in the first place, these solo piano works are timeless, high watermarks for the genre. On a purely musical basis, these recordings are must hearing for any fan of music that want to soak in the joy of masterful playing at it�s best."

-- Midwest Record Entertainment [11/2013]

R E V I E W S of original releases:

Goldberg Variations

"...the strands of counterpoint sing with extraordinary transparency; you will hear relationships never apparent before." -- NEW YORK TIMES

"For the most part, this is a much saner view than Gould's, and Rangell's deep affection for the music projects itself strongly. He certainly finds more joy and bounce in the score than the austere Schiff, and overall, this may be the best choice for the Goldbergs on piano...fanciers of Bach on the piano will surely enjoy this generous offering."

-- Peter Burwasser, FANFARE

The Partitas

"I have many versions of this sublime work and love several, very different, renditions. Glenn Gould�s is my favorite for architecture, Rosalyn Tureck perhaps for warmth and classic intimacy. But Rangell has opened up whole dimensions in these works. Listen especially for a hint of rubato near the beginning of first partita, the confident mastery of the sublime 6th partita. Sublime is an overused word, but Rangell�s performance is nothing if not sublime."

-- Roger Kimball, THE NEW CRITERION
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