A short number of weeks ago, I reviewed Ralph Kirkpatrick's performances
on clavichord of Bach's Well Tempered Clavier Book I and found them highly
rewarding and worthy of acquisition.  Kirkpatrick's Book II, also on
clavichord, has now been released and is the subject of this review.
The set is on DG with a catalog number of 289 463 623-2.

As with Book I, Kirkpatrick delivers well nuanced and expressive readings
with fine lyricism and depth.  His clavichord has a crisp and tangy
flavor which, combined with excellent accenting and phrasing, provides
a distinctive and rewarding listening experience.  Kirkpatrick also has
a superb sense of rhythmic flow and pulse.

Here are some highlights of the set:

Prelude & Fugue in C sharp major - Kirkpatrick's Adagio in the Prelude is
very fast and initially sounded rushed; however, he quickly had me totally
convinced of his approach as I was drawn into the momentum and drive of the
reading.  The Allegro is exciting with a high degree of lyricism.  In the
Fugue, Kirkpatrick's urgency, tension, poetry, and playfulness results in
a performance which surpasses most of the alternatives.

Fugue in C sharp minor - This piece usually conjures up images for me of
cataclysmic upheavals.  Gould and Gulda have been my standards with their
blistering performances; Kirkpatrick is in this camp and equally effective.
Given that I generally don't find the clavichord an excellent match for
powerful and fast music, I am particularly impressed with Kirkpatrick's
reading.  He keeps the 'heat on' from start to finish.

Fugue in D major - Kirkpatrick invests this reflective and uplifting music
with a compelling nobility and rhythmic flow.

Prelude in E major - Kirkpatrick brings an exquisite and delicate touch to
this joyful and uplifting Prelude.

Prelude in F minor - The majestic Prelude has a wide palate of colors
and emotions which Kirkpatrick conveys as effectively as any other version
including the Gulda and Tureck readings.  Kirkpatrick's three note sighs
are particularly stunning.

Fugue in G major - Gulda's version is my standard for the G major; his slow
pacing and staccato delivery wins my heart.  Kirkpatrick, although quicker
than Gulda, provides a delicate touch which blends beautifully with the
music's drama and urgency.

Any negatives? Sometimes, Kirkpatrick is very quick with a little loss of
lyricism.  This is not a serious problem as he always maintains a strong
pulse.  Also, I do feel that his set is stronger in the first half of Book
II.

Don's Conclusions: Kirkpatrick's Book II is a fine achievement, and
the use of the clavichord throughout is unusual and distinctive.  His
performances compare well with those on clavichord by Robert Levin on
his very rewarding Hanssler set.  Although I do prefer the performances
by Tureck and Gulda, Kirkpatrick provides a fine alternative.  My
recommendation for those wanting at least a few versions of the WTC is to
make sure you count Kirkpatrick as one of them.  I do not recommend the set
as an only version; for that scenario, Gulda and particularly Tureck are
recommended.

Don Satz
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