J.S.BACH :: PARTITAS BWV 825-830 COMPLETE :: WIM WINTERS, CLAVICHORD

[@nobodyplaylists]

I come to this video every day and play it on loop for hours. The sound of the clavichord is very cozy and beautiful. Now I understand why this was Bach's favorite instrument.

[@结实反流]

I like your playlists

[@wolfie8748]

I always come back to this such a great interpretation

[@artoffugue333]

The clavichord, which predates the piano, was Bach's favorite instrument, save perhaps the organ. He was a virtuoso on both. So it's nice to hear these gems performed on the instrument that Bach himself likely played them on. Thank you for the wonderful performance and the sharing!

[@rozalinapiano]

No, Bach’s favorite clavier instrument was Piano et Forte, built by Silbermann but the textbooks “forgot” to tell us about this. And that is the instrument that predated contemporary pianos. And Bach contributed technical improvements to it too, as well as did advertisement concerts and sold it.

[@jktekkerz8735]

@@rozalinapiano How do you know this? Do you have any references that can be verified?

[@BarryLockard]

One wonders how that could have been Bach's favorite instrument. First of all during most of his lifetime, clavichords were small fretted instruments, meaning one string served 2 or more adjacent keys and they could not accommodate his more harmonically complex works. Secondly, the inventory of his estate taken upon his death lists 8 harpsichords and not one clavichord. As for the fortepiano, Bach heard one for the first time in the mid-1730s and was not pleased with it. He encountered the instrument again in 1747 at the court of Frederick the Great. There is no definitive evidence that he composed any keyboard works specifically for the fortepiano.

[@BZB33]

@@rozalinapiano Bach was famously critical of the Silbermann "fortepiano." Not sure where you read otherwise. By the end of his life the fortepiano had developed to the point where Bach did change his mind. He was undeniably fond of the clavichord. Though it was not practical for most performance applications due to its slight sound, Bach loved it for its warm timbre and subtle dynamic range.

[@ericolson8549]

BWV 830 Toccata in this video by Wim Winters is by far the finest performance I have ever heard, whether on harpsichord or piano, even by Glenn Gould. Winters's performances of BWV 825-830 here lead me to think the clavichord is far superior to either harpsichord or piano for Bach keyboard pieces commonly described as being "for harpsichord." Winter's interpretation of the toccata is perfect!

[@playing_jazz]

You get the cleanest seperation of voices I have ever heard on any keyboard instrument. With such charged performances as well. Thank you for sharing!

[@AuthenticSound]

thank you Nathan, the partitas (a new recording) will be released in December!

[@playing_jazz]

Wonderful! I look forward to it.

[@mattbermudez2876]

Bach's music is quite near the most monumental art ever produced by human beings. The melodies are almost meditative. Goosebump machine. Very well performed. Excellent work!!

[@zyxonian1]

You've done humankind a great service by having this historically informed performance available for free to all~ Thank you.

[@AuthenticSound]

thank you

[@tritono666]

This music is composed in such a way that not only it pleases the ear, but also expresses sentiments, strikes the imagination, affects the mind and commands the passions. On the other hand, your performance is detailed and persuasive. I specially like how the bass voice speaks in such a clear and determined way.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you! A new version soon will be available on CD/vinyl

[@albertohernz7988]

truly admirable, you are one of the most dedicated musicians I've come across the Internet, your playing deserves a standing ovation.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you so much, Albert, your words really humble me !

[@mavaction]

I've got it cranked here ... the 825 corrente... That instrument has such a freakin awesome sound... Punch, tone, character.

[@777rogerf]

Of the severeal examples of double-beat from AuthenticSound, this is the one that completed my inner-metronome-double-beat conversion process. Thank you!.

[@migueldelillo3400]

In some movements, the best example of which is the the courante of the third partita, you bring out the counterpoint better than even Glenn Gould; that's not a thing I can say of any other keyboard player I've ever heard. Part of the merit should be given to the instrument, because your excellent clavichord with its clear division in tenor-alto-soprano undoubtedly plays a role, but it's evident that your sense of polyphony is exceptionally well developed and acute. I used to be a bit annoyed by the fact that you play with the sheet music in front of you, sometimes making quite an audible noise when turning the pages, but now I realize that this is what keeps you from playing from muscle memory, surely helping you quite a lot in transforming your analysis of a piece into sound.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks Miguel! Any comparison with Glenn Gould feel as an honor I don't deserve...but am proud of at the same time!

[@zyxonian1]

Miguel makes a comment about playing with sheet music versus memory - I'm curious to hear your opinions regarding the pros and cons of playing with sheet music versus memorizing music for performance. Does reading in the midst of a performance allow fresh interpretations or can this be done with memorization?

[@Bombardiere2]

@@zyxonian1 Yes yes ...please let us hear your comments on the subject

[@cnsedgwick]

My guess would be that privately he has all this music memorized but chose to use music for performance.

[@excelsior999]

It seems that some people are utterly incapable to say "Bach" without saying "Gould" in the same sentence.

[@s.l.consultant6889]

I love these slow, meticulous tempi, that let the piece breath and shine

[@mariotommaso8564]

Não é apenas técnica... É uma relação tão orgânica com o instrumento e com a obra, que conseguimos penetrar suas várias dimensões simultâneas. Muito obrigado por essa interpretação pura e única.

[@DavidGarciaReel]

This is so beautiful. Thank you Wim. Exquisite taste and sensibility. beautiful Bach flowing through you!

[@Wazoox]

Wim, now tell me about this mystery: why aren't more people playing and recording this fine instrument? It's so nice :)

[@AuthenticSound]

O... once we're able to sit down and have a coffee together...

[@MattRobson]

Because the sound can't fill a concert hall. Acoustics. Piano became popular before amplification.

[@lachaineguitarededavid]

I have that late 70s electronic piano that does sound kind of like a cyborg clavichord... Dare i say, bach to the future ?

[@walterbushell7029]

If Bach could have had a loud clavichord, He would have been delighted. Now that we have amplification, why not?!

[@violinsinthevoid4579]

Please, get these recordings on some streaming services. Life is hard for so many around me and myself and this is one of my favorite recordings of the partitas on any instrument. It would light up my world even more to have it off of KZbin.

[@Caravaggio44]

Beautiful playing that displays both a cogent understanding of the music and a profound musicality.

[@AuthenticSound]

thanks!

[@shawnbeard1960]

SO well-done, and for me (a composer), so educational and entertaining, that while listening I fantasized that I was sitting back and listening to my former teacher showing off what she was currently exploring, or preparing for an upcoming concert - thank you SO MUCH, this was wonderful! I'll be enjoying this one for years.

[@poplife123]

This is surprisingly moving....not sure why......the pace.....the touch.....the intimacy of the sound....seems to have a lot of heart.....thanks for recording and posting

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you so much, really glad it touched you... around August a new version of the partitas will be available on CD and Vinyl.

[@achenpigeon]

Wim, just wanted to share a nice experience. For an upcoming midterm, a friend (part-time classical listener, likes your videos) invited me over to study with her. It was getting stuffy inside, due to the early Californian heat, so we decided to study outside, on her sister's trampoline (while her 9-year old sister played around us). I was playing from one of my auto-generated playlists, so we had bits of de Visee on the Theorbo, and then parts of the Musicalische Ergotzung. Then, this video (probably from being watched so much by me :) ) came up, and of course we were there the whole time, on the trampoline listening to it, enjoying the sun and wind and view over the large grass field by her house, mostly studying but occasionally taking a break to lie down, and look at the blue sky and clouds... A good time!

[@AuthenticSound]

That is such a nice story to read... thanks! Many greetings from our holiday in "Suyderoogh"= North of Holland

[@SergeSmirnoff]

Wim, thank you so much! Wonderful sound and playing, and visual presentation! Truly touching and moving!.. Of Partita 6 Allemande 2:18:43 and Sarabande 2:27:52 - David Schulenberg says in his «The Keyboard Music of J.S.Bach» (pg. 340): "The Sixth Partita is the crowning work of the set and Bach's greatest suite. The allemande and sarabande contain some of the most audacious and dramatic melodic embellishment ever written ". Martin Gester says of Sarabande in booklet to his recording of Partitas (Harpsichord): "As for the following Sarabande, it plunges us into deep reflection. It is a pure lamento and perhaps the most intensely expressive piece in all of Bach’s works for harpsichord."

[@VernonVince]

La resa del contrappunto è davvero ottima. Il suo stile mi ricorda molto quello del compianto Gustav Leonhardt. Bravo! E mille grazie per condividere queste gemme con tutti noi!

[@AuthenticSound]

an honor to be compared to G. Leonhardt, thank you

[@iQuation]

heaven just touched the earth, performed with amazing grace, every blessing

[@AuthenticSound]

thank you!

[@ajestiandan6218]

Goldberg Variations please 🙏🏼

[@RosssRoyce]

Lovely! One day I will materialize something I dreamed: as the key hits the string there will be a little felt hammer attached to it that swings on a short leather stem! This will not eliminate the original clavichord sound but will enrich the higher notes and double the dynamic range!

[@deankevlin8690]

Absolutely stunning. Superb artistry. Incredible instrument. And each line so brilliantly articulated with astonishing clarity. The counterpoint was so clean and precise yet so affecting. Just a sheer delight.

[@james.flores]

This is a mammoth recording effort. Thank you. I have suddenly taken a strong interest in the clavichord.

[@james.flores]

Is that an organ in the background starting from the 6th Partita?! More details please :)

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you

[@dallin14]

Literally addicted to listening to this while studying. Perfection!

[@xavagi]

Bach no es solo ejercício. Es corazón y tu lo transmites a las mil maravillas. Enhorabuena maestro.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you so much for the nice words, Xavier, really touching

[@DuendeHr]

When you play Bach, somehow it sound just right, the way it should be. I hope that this will spike up the popularity of the clavichords again so they will not be so crazy expensive anymore. Than maybe I'll buy one 😀 really enjoying your channel, it's a revelation and I am happy to become your patron.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you!

[@lyn3325]

I love the clavichord. Thank you so much for the amazing music.

[@reece9246]

Amazing! YOU ARE THE MAN! Watch out for those candles :P

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks ! The candles... they give a kind of intimacy, some like them very much, but as much as I like the light, it makes my life so much harder: so many notes to read and only so much light, the cameras are pushed to the limit, and, most important, I have to finish the recording in time, since the heath of the candles slowly affects the tuning of the bass strings !

[@galbeeri8360]

@@AuthenticSound imagine it falls and all the wax goes inside

[@luciacoli2836]

Stupendo!!!! Bravo e idea bellissima ( la luce... penombra)

[@perrytownsend4151]

Just want to thank you Wim for all you're doing, and for your incredible sensitivity and intelligent musicianship. I've been checking out your performances and they are just superb. In particular, I like how you navigate rubato, which used to be a "bad word" when it came to anything written before 1820-something. And of course it shouldn't be done indulgently or without awareness of Baroque performance practice. I think your choices spring out of the musical lines themselves and are intimately connected to what the clavichord can do - in other words, the same rubatos may not work on harpsi or modern piano but you make them work on clavi. Side note: Was recently in a discussion about "which instrument is right for Bach" and this came out:

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you so much for the nice words, Perry! We are working hard now for the release of the partitas (not the youtube recording) on CD and vinyl by the end of this year. Yes, let's embrace diversity, the right of every artist to be expressive and individual, and reserve the right as well to those who are fascinated to come as close to the composer's idea, knowing that it will be an endless journey (but fun)!

[@777rogerf]

In the early years of the post-World War II baroque revival, the dryer and more robotic the interpretation the more authentic. Listening was sheer torture..

[@achaley4186]

What an excellent artist. 🙂🙏🏼⭐️❤️

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Back for solace. Beautiful. Thank you.

[@Jesus-kq4mp]

Huge fan!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@AuthenticSound]

Great to read Antonio!

[@manuelinopampa9646]

Wim, el "preambulum" y la "sarabande" de la partida 1 ...825 ejecución sublime e impecable. Lo demás simplemente fantástica! Gracias por tanto!

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you very much, really !

[@christopherland4164]

Necessary. Yes, Authentic. Bach forever and ever.

[@walterbushell7029]

Or Back to the Future! If you have a direct line to the Transcendental Absolute[1] the unimaginable is possible. [1] So named because we have no words for it and if we did, this is no place to mention it.

[@mozgren]

Such a (relatively) simple machine makes my feeble attempts to play a keyboard instrument seem achievable, until I try again... I agree the counterpoint here is often more clearly defined than in Gould's pianoforte renditions. It's almost possible to imagine Bach at work. Thank you Mr Winters!

[@horaciomeb]

Se nota la pasión que el interprete pone al tocarlo, muchas felicidades

[@dutchcountryman1290]

Magnificent performance on a beautiful instrument! Thank you!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

What a joy to listen to. Thank you for making the video. Nice!

[@bachjunior]

BWV826 is heaven with that clavichord ☺! thnks again! what a soothing for the soul ☺!

[@charlesbeck6436]

you have taken the clavichord unto yourself, despite the your two-manual house pipe organ in the background. i am aware of the journey you have made because i am in the process of making the same journey. i have only an electronic clavichord at present, and i am fascinated by the sound as i play simple bach pieces on it. thank you for all that you post online of all your wonderful playing which is an inspiration to so many others.

[@AuthenticSound]

That's true, Charles, the clavichord has 'eaten' all other instruments here... wish I could play the Erard still as I did intense in the past, but the technique does not match with the clavichord.

[@ubiestinsula]

You are such a great discovery for me! I thank you for this generous, beautiful offering. Your tempi “discoveries” are a welcome revelation, your musicianship is admirable, your rhythmic sense is pure genius. Happy to be here on your channel!

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you so much for the wonderful words Michael and... welcome!

[@jamesmitchell6925]

Phenomenal playing!

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

This guys lives in slow motion! :) amazing with the candles

[@TrevRockOne]

I'll just add to the heap of praise -- really wonderful stuff; I thank you for providing it to the public. The clavichord is much nicer to listen to for long stretches than the harpsichord.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks for the nice words! Yes, that's many's feeling: the constant change of dynamics makes it less fatiguing to listen to than the harpsichord. Historically, in the German areas, the harpsichord was not used very often for solo music, its place was in the middle of the orchestra. Today, we see a bit of an inversion of that practice.

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Revisiting these wonderful recordings. Studying the 825 thank you for your interpretive wisdom.

[@AuthenticSound]

Wonderful!

[@adamgulley1399]

The candle and the darkness make it really seem like your in the 1700s now all you need is a costume.Nice Videos!!

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks ! I'm not always using the candles, since they push the cameras to their edge + reading the score becomes really tricky

[@frenchiecocorico1]

And a wig

[@frenchiecocorico1]

Any authentic period costume never increase an artist talent.

[@lokmanmerican6889]

Like scenes from the film "Barry Lyndon" filmed in low light - looks very authentic! Wonderful playing.

[@JoseCastillo-gj9ii]

Excelente, grandioso. Gracias por compartirlo, bendiciones y saludos desde El Salvador en la América Central.

[@Physicks499]

Just subbed and fallen in love with this channel

[@user-74652]

The combination of Bach's writing, the sound of the instrument, your mastery of the instrument itself, your musical knowledge, and your general musicianship creates a very beautiful result. The clavichord somehow seems to fit this music better than the harpsichord, and I have honestly not heard many people who play this instrument as well as you do. I'd definitely like to try playing on one some day, even though I know I'd sound terrible since I'm so used to the piano.

[@beasheerhan4482]

I liket the candlelight...

[@matthewprovost5938]

Such a MAGNIFICENT achievement! Bravo and THANK YOU! Such elegance, grace, and intimacy; I will come back to this again and again.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks Matthew, great to read!

[@julianpighin1572]

Amazing permormance and recording! Thank you so much

[@michaelkorthaus4970]

Thank you very much for this fascinating recording, Mr. Winters! I never thougt of the clavichord as of a real "grown-up" instrument - until I could occasionally (and with only quite low expectations) buy a quite fine used one some months ago. I was hooked from the first touch and even if you play piano for your whole life, it´s a musical revelation. You need to adjust to the instrument, but having fallen in love with it and consequently try to produce a singing sound is the best guide. It´s like the clavichord teaches you mysteries about the music you never expected. - I am sure: if more people could get the chance to touch a clavichord once, most of them would "need" to have one at home and play this wonderful instrument daily. Your channel is simply great, I like your recordings very much, but also the more theoretical parts. I´m interested in every aspect of music. Sometimes it´s kind of fascinating archeology, not dealing with old, dead artefacts, but with music getting freshly alive when the instrument is touched. Thank you very, very much for your great work!

[@AuthenticSound]

great to read, glad you discovered this instrument!

[@lamp9359]

I know I'm two years late but...Where did you get your clavichord? I'm really interested in getting one but I don't know where I should get one. Thank you!

[@michaelkorthaus4970]

@@lamp9359 I got my Clavichord from Susanne Merzdorf, Remchingen (near Karlsruhe, Germany). Very nice and well-known manufactory (building Clavichords and Harpsichords for over three generations since 1920). She built a copy of an instrument attributed to Silbermann for me (a model quite often used by many clavichord makers, though historically it´s origin in Silbermanns workshop is quite precarious - but that doesn´t really matter for a new-built instrument). I own this instrument for more than two years now and I am very happy with it. Finest craftsmanship, wonderful sound and very stable in tune.

[@Diosairken182Atzimba]

Cielos, tremenda ejecución!! Que honor seria el escucharlo en vivo

[@javierperezmedina6938]

Excelente !. Bach vuelve a la vida, What a fresh and modern music !

[@evanprest6224]

Surely this is not the loudest of instruments, and the microphones must be quite sensitive. This is a fantastic recording with it's lack of background noise. I remember returning my first Glenn Gould record, which was of these pieces, because I thought they were defective. Unfortunately, it was merely Gould humming. I guess artistic license has it's privileges. But these recordings are first quality, especially considering the instrument.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks Evan !

[@davidroseman3287]

Among my favorite pieces to play on the piano (my only keyboard instrument). Thank you so much for your inspired and inspiring interpretations.

[@medyogatherapy]

Bravo - Maestro. Fantastic interpretations and the instrument is beautiful. So clear - can hear the lines. That sound.

[@Erikkaa7]

It's wonderful recording. It help a lot to understand the writting : i can ear all voices distinctly. Thanks a lot. It gives wish to study.

[@leandrusi4533]

This heals my soul, thanks!

[@Welderdarkk]

Oh I love it!! You played these beautiful Bach's music by candlelight.

[@AuthenticSound]

Hi Welder, thank you so much, really appreciate! I guess there is no escape from the candle lights :-) !

[@olafzuberbuehler4737]

Wunderschöne Interpretation eines wunderschönen Werkes! Gratuliere!

[@williamsmith5549]

Your Bach is sublime.

[@agus.art3]

awesome the truth that you are a genius!!

[@DemianMarrow]

You' re an Angel Thanks a lot for this Video once more. I am waiting the videos with my Greek Composer so that I can. boast a little. Wonderful work and Unique Baroque Classical sound in times when superficial emotional melodies attract so much attention.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you ! I am working on a fabulous project with Kostas, it will come somewhere in September I believe

[@Athicuz]

I love it! you are one of my favorite musicians here in youtube, and your interpretation of the BWV 826 was delightful, perfect sound, outstanding technique, good tempo, awesome video, overall puntation: 11/10

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you so much for the nice words, Athicuz!

[@DIYerGuy]

Quite an accomplishment - FANTASTIC !!!

[@AuthenticSound]

thanks!

[@WAEVOICE]

Bringing out both subjects throughout the second half of the Gigue from the Fifth Partita-- you make it sound so easy. Well done!

[@AuthenticSound]

Thank you Joshua! The partitas will be released soon!

[@thomasc390]

🌷 Thank you! 🌷

[@ghmus7]

Superb! The instrument becomes different in each register.

[@GEMINDIGO]

Thanks a lot for the lovely sounds!

[@AuthenticSound]

Glad you liked this

[@bryanmellado2874]

Finally I understand the second minuet of the first partita. Thank you!

[@canman5060]

Most of the clavichord performances uploaded on youtube are very week sounding. You must have a excellent accustic in your studio. Needless to say great performances from many of your uploads. I am a big fan of baraoque keyboard instruments and your great channel keep me busy all day !

[@lordsharshabeel]

I feel like I'm experiencing Bach himself sitting in a dark room with his favorite clavichord. The form has been idealized across the delta of our eras. Such an expansive yet introverted form of consciousness.

[@alexandre4466]

You got my interest with Mozart appogiaturas. Now you have my attention.

[@aldoux]

Loved it. Great sound, great execution.

[@ManuelBetancurt]

this is heavenly, thank you so much!

[@AuthenticSound]

Glad you like it!

[@kailierayner9047]

Wim, you never cease to amaze me with your incredible knowledge of music, and your extreme talent for playing. As always, your playing is beautiful, and exhibits such style, despite the character of the composition. You really make it your own. Thank you so much for continuing to share your amazing talents.

[@AuthenticSound]

That... is one of the most beautiful things anyone ever said to me... thank you so much... w.

[@kailierayner9047]

AuthenticSound Don't ever stop what you do. I love seeing new uploads, and am so excited to hear anything new you put out. As I've said before, you are an inspiration.

[@fabiocalzavara6493]

That was indeed a job, Wim. On such a beautiful, important instrument. Besides, tempo-wise, Bach's music is fuss free (at least, you don't seem to have been faced with whole new controverises here!)... Cheers mate!

[@Gamma3]

Increible ! Saludos desde Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@ranchoelchamusquito3683]

awesome! thanks for posting this!

[@waynesmith3767]

Lovely playing on a lovely instrument of these great suites; adding them to Ralph Kirkpatrick’s recordings

[@stevens6654]

I've only heard this on a harpsichord, but on a clavichord, there's more articulation and a little more volume. The music really shines on the faster passages. I guess I'm an early music snob, but I really enjoyed these performances.

[@AuthenticSound]

Great to read Steven! I have lot of videos dedicated to the clavichord and how it could have been used back then, one of them with CPEBach: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIm4q2NtdrWFoqM

[@iaamt1]

The clavichord is softer than a harpsichord. Being amplified with a recording mic gives the illusion and sense of more volume. But articulation, expressive qualities are much more subtle and sensitive, even a vibrato is possible (bebung).This was Bach's favorite instrument due to its intimate sensitivity.

[@Alkatraz420Volta]

absolutely brilliant brother

[@bachjunior]

this is as close as one can get to feel in heaven! ❤❤❤

[@craigcowing1107]

beautiful and relaxing to listen to.Thanks!

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks Craig

[@Annabel23]

Thank you for this such beautiful music

[@RM-xk6iu]

I thank you so much for this

[@theskoomacat7849]

It speaks so clearly! Like a person!

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks!

[@artymowycz]

Quite exquisite. Thank you for sharing your dedication

[@Marianofrv]

Un placer escuchar el exquisito sonido de tus interpretaciones de Bach. Saludos

[@republiccooper]

These are beautiful.

[@RobertMargouleff]

Hey Wim, these recording still sound so fresh. I hope all is safe and sound with you and family.

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks for asking Robert, everything is fine here, as I hope is with you. The partitas will be released asap (this is the youtube version, it's a different one from the one we recorded), but step by step, that... I have learnt the hard way!

[@unagondolaunremo]

very well done! a perfect control of your fingers, a wonderful interpretation

[@AuthenticSound]

Thanks!

[@Aalii6]

Wonderful! 👍👍