Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
2-Part Inventions (15), BWV 772-786
3-Part Sinfonias (15), BWV 787-801

Elisabeth Joye (harpsichord)
Recorded December 2001
Released July 2004
Alpha Productions 034 [56:32]

w/Little Preludes, BWV 933-940 & 999
Fughetta in C minor, BWV 961
Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 895
Bob van Asperen (harpsichord)
Recorded September 1999
Released August 2006
Aeolus 10034 [78:15]

As many readers know, the pieces on these two discs were composed by
Bach to be used by students as 'exercises'.  However, Bach's genius is
in clear display, as he was apparently unable to supress his supreme
musical mind whenver he put pen to paper.  So do put away any thoughts
that the Inventions/Sinfonias are "lesser Bach" and not to be taken
seriously.

There are many excellent recordings of the Inventions/Sinfonias, my
favorites on harpsichord coming from Kenneth Gilbert on Harmonia Mundi,
Gustav Leonhardt on Sony, Blandine Verlet on Naive and Masaaki Suzuki
on BIS.  I can't say that Elisabeth Joye's performances are on such an
exalted level, but she does offer a few outstanding qualities that demand
attention.

First, I'll get any and all reservations out of the way.  Put simply,
Joye's performances are not very interesting as she progresses through
the 'exercises'.  The primary reasons are a lack of sufficient variety
in both articulation and tempo; Joye rarely varies tempo within each
piece, so you won't hear any hesitations in phrasing or staggering of
musical lines.  It's all very straight-forward and lacking in fizz.
Another problematic area concerns Bach's faster pieces, as Joye plays
most of them much slower than the norm and thereby greatly diminishes
the visceral impact and exuberance of the music; the Inventions in D
major and E flat major along with the Sinfonia in D major are prime
examples.  Continuing along, Joye's penchant is for rounded phrasing,
and a few of Bach's pieces demand sharpened contours such as the Invention
in B flat major with its double-dotted rhythms.  Finally, Joye is not
one to explore the dark side of Bach's music; her Inventions in F minor
and B minor are particularly benign.

With the above array of negatives to contend with, the Joye disc would
seem to be one to avoid.  But such is not the case, primarily because
I have not heard a version of these works that is so luxurious, elegant
and comforting.  Basically, every aspect of the production is lush from
the rich 1993 Philippe Humeau harpsichord built on the specifications
of a Carl Conrad Fleischer model (1720) to the opulent soundstage.  This
is the essence of "Papa Bach", as he stretches out his arms to envelop
and comfort all believers.  Joye's luxurious treatment hits its peak in
the Inventions in G minor and A minor where the music is suspended on a
bed of velvet; the Sinfonia in C major finds Joye giving a wonderful
account full of love and elegance.

Having stated above that Joye tends to apply rounded contours, I should
point out that her Sinfonias in E flat major and B minor use a brisk
staccato that is very refreshing after so many smooth applications.
Other compelling highlights include the delightful optimism of the
Sinfonia in E major and the oozing warmth and acceptance of the Sinfonias
in F major, F minor and B flat major.

Turning to the veteran early music keyboardist Bob van Asperen, we
leave the world of luxury and comfort for a universe of true dialogue.
Right from the 1st Invention in C major, it is clear that meaningful
conversations are taking place, while Elisabeth Joye merely creates a
particular atmosphere.  The sense of dialogue from van Asperen continues
throughout his performances, and I can't emphasize enough how his style
makes the music come alive.  In addition, he makes subtle use of tempo
changes and hesitations that significantly add to the invention of the
music.

Concerning specifics, the bitter/sweet nature of the Invention in C
minor is incisively explored by van Asperen.  He plays the faster pieces
quickly, eliciting from this reviewer a exciting sense of tension and
exuberance; notable for this effect are his performances of the Inventions
in D major, E flat major and G major where excitement and joy leap out
of the speakers.  Want a little menace?  Look no further than van Asperen's
Inventions in E minor and B minor.  If you're seeking a frenetic performance
of the Invention in F major, van Asperen's your man.  The sole Invention
that disappoints a little is the one in B flat major where van Asperen
takes the same rounded approach as Joye; that surprised me considering
van Asperen's usual regimen.

How about van Asperen's Sinfonias?  They also constitute entirely
compelling music-making such as the pristine and lovely interpretation
of the Sinfonia in C major, the driving rhythms of the D major, the
remorse van Asperen shares with us in the D minor, and the exquisite
dialogue of the E flat major, G minor, and A minor Sinfonias.

More treasure is found in van Asperen's Sinfonia in E minor.  This piece
is a musical depiction of redemption, and van Asperen takes us from the
bottom of despair to a spiritual enlightenment.  There's no such luck
for the bleak personality of the F minor, and van Asperen gives a superb
account of life without faith.  van Asperen can also possess a bubbling
demeanor as shown in his performances of the Sinfonias in A major and B
flat major.

Not content to simply give us a "top-echelon" recording of the Inventions
and Sinfonias, van Asperen offers an additional 12 short Bach exercises
that are completely delightful with many snatches of melodies the composer
used in his more mature works.  van Asperen conveys such an enticing
range of colours, that this "simple Bach" takes on more substance than
I've ever heard in alternative recordings.

Don's Conclusions: In state-of-the-art sound, van Asperen's
magnificent recording takes pride of place in my collection of Bach's
Inventions/Sinfonias with the additional exercises a wonderful bonus.
Elisabeth Joye's performance has a very limited agenda, but she executes
it beautifully with instrument and soundstage in perfect union; if the
luxurious treatment appeals, Joye delivers the goods.

Don Satz
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