I was listening last night to Edward Aldwell's Biddulph cd containing the
French Overture in B minor and eleven fugues from the Art of Fugue.  He
certainly is a distinctive pianist, and this assessment also applies to
his recordings of the WTC and Goldberg Variations.

As an example, I always, when listening to the Art of Fugue, go first
to the Contrapunctus III.  If the pianist can't grab me on that fugue,
the rest is a lost cause.  Aldwell, in this fugue, provides a dream-like
atmosphere of true beauty.  His pacing and inflections do vary and might
be considered disagreeable by some.  To me, he amazingly keeps me on his
track; he convinces me that he's right.  I had the same reaction to his
WTC.  Aldwell is a man with a plan, and he thoroughly wins me over.

His Art of Fugue disc was recorded in 1997.  The sound is excellent
although I did have to spend a little time until I felt my audio
adjustments were just right.  Aldwell plays in a rich manner, and I
enjoyed the music more by "drying out" the sound.  It worked beautifully.

Overall, I consider Aldwell one of the best Bach interpreters currently
active.  If you like Bach on the piano, Aldwell is a must.  His WTC is
on Nonesuch, and the Goldbergs on Biddulph.

As an aside, I've heard that Tureck's 2nd recording in the Philips Great
Pianist series is coming out later this month.  Naturally, it's devoted
to Bach - this time the main work is the Goldbergs.

Bach, Aldwell, Tureck - all artistic masters.  Would I call them that or
"maestro" to their faces? No, even they don't rate any lofty designation;
nobody does.  If Bach were to appear before me, I'd call him Mr.  Bach and
would expect a similar designation back; after that, it would be first
names all around.

Don Satz
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