I'm not on a Bach binge any longer, but there's one version I've had a
hankering for which I had not acquired - Friedrich Gulda's set recorded in
1973 by Philips.  I've never heard any Gulda performances, but I was aware
of the differing opinions about him.  So, I picked up his book ll; I have
more Book 1's than 2's in the house.

After listening a few times, I don't know what all the fuss is about.
With very few exceptions, Gulda is within the range of what I'd consider
"normal" performances.  In fact, I was mighty impressed with his
interpretations.  There are two pieces which he plays in a perverted
fashion; the opening prelude in C is too fast with insufficient lyricism
(slegehammer effect) whereas Schiff on Decca gets it just right.  Also,
the prelude in F is performed with the speed of light which ruins it for
me.  That's it for the bad news.

What most impresses me about the set is Gulda's fine sense of momentum.
So many pianists insist on applying little hesitations where forward
momentum gets lost.  Not Gulda.  He keeps plugging along, ever mindful
of the importance of propulsion.  This momentum/propulsion aspect is best
shown in the fugue in C, fugue in C sharp minor, fugue in G minor, and
prelude in B.  But Gulda does not give short-shrift to the more lyrical
pieces either.  While making notes as I listened, I often wrote down words
such as "lyrical, poetic, soft-spoken, great part-playing and legato".

Since the recording was made in 1973, don't expect top-flight sound.  There
is some noticeable hiss, but the overall sound is okay.  It can handle
headphones as well, unlike Richter's WTC on Russian Revelation.

Summing up, I'm glad I have the Gulda recording and will definitely be
buying Book 1.  This is not at the top of my preferred versions; I would
take Hewitt, Gould, and Aldwell first.  But, it's a fine set with many
illuminating features.  At Philips Duo prices, it's a good deal.

Don's Conclusion - Worth Purchasing.

Don Satz
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