J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1- No.1-12

J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1- No.1-12 , BWV 846-857.
This performance is dedicated to Maestro Sergei Babayan, whose knowledge and genius has been a source of great inspiration.
00:00 Prelude No.1 in C major
02:32 Fugue No. 1 in C major
04:44 Prelude No. 2 in C minor
06:03 Fugue No. 2 in C minor
07:26 Prelude No. 3 in C-sharp major
08:35 Fugue No. 3 in C-sharp major
10:45 Prelude No. 4 in C-sharp minor
13:51 Fugue No. 4 in C-sharp minor
18:48 Prelude No. 5 in D major
19:49 Fugue No. 5 in D major
21:35 Prelude No. 6 in D minor
23:06 Fugue No. 6 in D minor
25:20 Prelude No. 7 in E-flat major
28:43 Fugue No. 7 in E-flat major
30:30 Prelude No. 8 in E-flat minor
33:38 Fugue No. 8 in D-sharp minor
39:16 Prelude No. 9 in E major
40:29 Fugue No. 9 in E major
41:50 Prelude No. 10 in E minor
44:06 Fugue No. 10 in E minor
45:14 Prelude No. 11 in F major
46:16 Fugue No. 11 in F major
47:35 Prelude No. 12 in F minor
49:47 Fugue No. 12 in F minor
Sara Daneshpour, piano
Recording Engineer, Brett Leonard
Recorded on October 14, 2023

[@jaspernatchez]

Beautiful and expressive without an ounce of self-indulgence or exaggeration. Perfect pianistic approach, no non-legato fussyness, tasteful pedaling, no fear of using the entire dynamic range of the piano. I'd so much rather listen to this than so many who've made a career of Bach.

[@playtimehulot7383]

I totally agree. It's not a performance, it's a statement. This is a spiritual journey and this is the real depth of J.S.Bach. ❤

[@AlecsanderLobjnski-bj8jr]

Слушаю и не могу наслушаться. Это настолько изысканно!

[@shooshieroberts3913]

BRAVO! Sara Daneshpour is a master for whom technical problems seem not to exist, but she’s so much more than that. Here is a person who understands Bach and is not afraid to play it as she hears it. Her lines are cohesive and well separated, and what she says with them is superb. Very refreshing. I hope to hear the French Suites, English Suites and others at some point.

[@playtimehulot7383]

Absolutly agreeing. ❤A sheer wonder!

[@wordsworks7084]

She doesn't only play Bach, she plays with Bach. Wonderful.

[@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz]

The MESSANGER lives in this woman. In the P. and F. n.2 She Is not afraid tò face enormous technical risk . SHE Is a leoness of the MESSANGER

[@peterburandt4586]

@@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz 🤔🤔

[@fr397]

well said. you suggest, as does Daneshpour's fine performance, how Bach likely played with Bach.

[@jakes3799]

@@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz Yes, those were a standout for me as well, especially since I played them before (though nowhere near as well). I would have never thought to interpret the Prelude that way.

[@playtimehulot7383]

A masterpiece of deep interpretation in general, but the fugue No.4 is a undiscribeable, sheer wonder. A spiritual devotion. Tears. No words!

[@tvine1]

What a beautiful sound. The fugues unfold like a flower. Bravo.

[@iansdigby]

How refreshing when someone brings a genuinely new (to me) insight into these works.

[@StephanPareigis]

Wow. I had tears in my eyes, listening to your interpretation. I tried to look you up in the internet: I couldn't find you on spotify 😢. You don't seem to give concerts in 2024 😢. Please make more recordings! I would listen to your performances all day. How very good to have found you. ❤

[@robertwarwick3294]

Ditto. I first discovered sara daneshpour during the van cliburn 2013 competition and was immediately impressed with her playing. Sadly she didn't pass into the semi final (a short memory lapse in the Chopin 4th Scherzo) but, I was able to buy the first two round performances through the vc shop on both cd and dvd. Her agent later on also sent me a cd recording of highlights from the following Tchaikovsky competition and I'm very blessed to have them. Her playing has changed enormously since then but these recordings show a degree of vulnerability, depth, honesty and sensitivity that I think is very special. She's a wonderful artist who deserves far greater recognition that she has.

[@andreaconti5918]

è impressionante. Una pulizia nell'esecuzione e una precisione nel tempo rara. Il tocco poi è sempre cotrollatissimo. La sto ascoltando a ripetizione da giorni.

[@PaulVanBladel]

This is gold. There are so many excellent interpretations of WTC, but this is in my personal top 3. Would love to hear this brilliant personality in a concert hall in Europe. Such an intelligent and sensible piano playing. Unique.

[@chrislee518]

Impeccable technique; unique interpretation - my goodness, she is absolutely brilliant.

[@williammayville5602]

An introspective, often poetic and compelling interpretation.

[@SomaticScience]

This interpretation is not showy, to my ear it is about sobriety and sensibility to the music. Some parts are very different from how I understand this work, and are played with much greater speed (and crystal clarity) than I’ve heard before. It is very enjoyable and her playing makes Bach’s music-in my understanding of his mastery- sound closer to the spirit that I experience, which he wanted to convey. There is a serene majesty about it. Bach was a musical sage and perhaps the artist knows this.

[@BlessedDonatPower]

Я считаю, что произведения, написанные композиторами-мужчинами, может достоверно сыграть только мужчина-исполнитель.

[@jktekkerz8735]

⁠​⁠@@BlessedDonatPowerI am not sure I agree with this comment. In fact, I am sure!! I disagree with this viewpoint entirely. Just listen to all the wonderful female performers of Bach’s voluminous keyboard works!! Amazing interpretations and artistry. Angela Hewitt, Marcelle Meyer, Harriet Cohen, Wanda Landowska, Tatiana Nikolayeva to name but a few!! There are so many more that I could have listed here!! I would not dare to think how they would respond to your views on this!!

[@sergiocattapan1192]

Difficilmente superabile il risalto delle voci

[@AB-sf1hg]

​@@BlessedDonatPower Switched on Bach!

[@user-nl8yf3uq6m]

Дурной сексизм. Что ж теперь женщинам исполнять только Пахмутову с Губайдулиной?

[@AlecsanderLobjnski-bj8jr]

Сдержанно и страстно. Редкое сочетание.

[@user-yq2ei2ko3p]

Тонкое, чистое, наполненное глубоким содержанием, исполнение гениальных произведений И.С.Баха. Благодарю за наслаждение!

[@ProfRonanMC]

How different it is to hear music that is often recorded in bits and pieces played all in a single breath, so to speak! The even, calm focus of attention is part of the magic of this recording.

[@liangyajiao1624]

Wonderful playing. 🎉Music is the spiritual lens through which we can see, feel, and hear God and ourself. Thank you for making me believe this.❤

[@alanbash2921]

Fabulous Artist !…… Finally a True Bach Performer That Has Great Thought Behind Each Note.....She Transcends All Bach Interpreters Of Recent Years.... I was Fortunate To Have Been A Friend Of Vladimir Horowitz.....And He would have Flipped for Your Tonal Control And Even More Importantly...Your Imagination 📣📣📣📣

[@peterburandt4586]

Okay, We Hear You!... Now, Take A Chill Pill And Relax.

[@robertczebotar7753]

Prelude c-moll...absolutely great and mind opening!!! The whole cycle just superb!!! Thank you! Greetings from Poland!

[@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz]

Yes Robert!!! PRELUDE in C moll Is THIS !!!!

[@Cebulon112]

Hi Sara, thank you for the music!! Your playing has soul. Greetings from good old Germany.

[@freespirit995]

This was a superb performance, with such deep poetry and feeling! The fugues were wonderfully bouncy and energetic. I hope this performance will extend to the whole of the 48 and is recorded on CD! It would be a truly stunning recording to add to any collection of the 48s.

[@TheRascalHasSpirit]

My goodness, what a great performance. Sara Daneshpour‘s profound musicality and her ability to command a sound of rich sonority allows these Crown Jewels of classical music to shine with great beauty and clarity.

[@lilianaturicianu1652]

Demut, vor den grössten Geist der Musik und der Menschheit. Ohne diese betonte, eventuell sexy Weiblichkeit im Vordergrund! Und die majestätische Einfachkeit der Musik, obwohl komplex, ein Paradox der bestens zur Geltung kommt in diesem Fall❤mal abgesehen von der phantastische Gedächnis🫠

[@RolandHuettmann]

I very much enjoy this performance. I can feel the silence behind the notes, behind each key. It is serious playing. Thank you...😊

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

What serendipity! On the day that I discovered your brilliant recording of the Chopin and Ligeti recording, you have released another gem, Maestra Daneshpour! Yes, Sergei Babayan is a colossal musician and has taught many great pianists of our day, including yourself. Thank you for this marvelous recording!

[@ask15muzik]

Как это чудесно,так искренне и так просто,низкий поклон!🌹🌷🌺

[@borisdonskoy-ho2ru]

She reminds me of Rosalin Turek, very sensitive, lyrical interpretation of essentially unsentimental Bach. Sometimes it goes against my male sensibility, but the integrity of interpretation is beyond doubt. It is beautiful, fluid, flawlessly consistent. Thank you, Ms. Daneshpour.

[@marcelcamporelli8712]

Interesting thought about Tureck - I actually thought the same and searched through the comments to see whether I am the only one 🙂 Well, turns out I am not only a Tureck fan now, but also a Daneshpour fan! I wish I could play these pieces just as she does. Simply wonderful. Perfect.

[@gilancorn4570]

Absolutely breathtaking. BRAVISSIMA !!!

[@simonandreas3557]

This is Bach in 2023, simply my new favourite version of WK. 1. THANK YOU, Sarah....

[@gerardodavidmesavazquez3999]

Bellísimo !!! Una interpretación que merece ser referencia para los estudiantes ,la claridad ,el carácter los colores , la comprensión de la polifonía, un Bach genial.

[@victormanuelpadilla1845]

¡Felicitaciones! A la extraordinaria pianista Sarita Daneshpour por su magnífica ejecución. Demuestra un gran talento por su depuración y sutileza de esta magna obra del genio de Bach. Un excelente fraseo y sublime memoria. Saludos desde México. ¡BENDICIONES!

[@FlexingClassicalMusic]

🕊 *Classical compositions soar on the wings of grace, whispering serenity to our souls.*

[@Marius-21]

Благодарю за такое красивое и ясное исполнение Баха!Мне кажется,что и непрофессионалам это должно понравиться,так как Вы сделали эти произведения необыкновенно красивыми !💐

[@marsaphilo6886]

Je donnerais la moitié de ma vie pour pouvoir jouer ne serait-ce qu'un seul de ces prélude et fugue aussi bien que vous.

[@MichaelLu]

Spellbinding, uplifting music-making-thank you, dear Sara!

[@antoniocarlosferrazdeaguia4747]

So beautifull interpretativo. She plays with her soul and a big sensibility

[@nopalitosms]

Great job! your treatment of the polyphony in your hands is extremely clear, controlled and very expressive. Congrats.

[@user-cu4mo7ij4e]

Благодаря вам я услышала другого Баха. Это совсем другие глубины. Великолепное открытие ❤

[@robertmarcus9653]

Very special. Bravo Sara, Bravo Bach, Bravo grand piano. Exquisite playing. ❤❤🎉

[@toshiyukiakisue9756]

興味深く拝聴いたしました。素敵な演奏だと思います。楽しい時間をありがとうございます。

[@rmertens23]

Thank you, Sara. Blessings, Robert

[@dmitriy2853]

Sara! You penetrate into the music itself in such a way that a complete coincidence is created with the feelings and images of the composer himself. Thank you! I listened almost without breathing.

[@ostapbender6511]

Bravo Sara. Great J.S. Bach would be proud of You.

[@lgmr2493]

Ooooooh mmmyyyyyyy !!! Superbe mais quel cadeau !!!

[@NozarMortazavi]

No doubt that she is a huge master now, not just for her prowess but also for her deep understanding and musicality that can bring any piece to a new life.

[@peterburandt4586]

Brilliant interpretation and performance!! I am looking forward to the next twelve.

[@fugueholic]

I really like these renditions!

[@user-zm1gb6dj2r]

Открытие в исполнительстве , лично для меня. Давненько так интересно Баха не исполняли . Круто.

[@DmitryTimofeev]

Какая красивая пианистка! А играет как! ❤️

[@felixsinniger280]

She is a woman.

[@AlexandreResende]

MASTERFUL PERFORMANCE! The only I'm skeptical of is the tempo choice for the Prelude n°3. But apart from that, her technique is impressive and the way she makes the music ring is indisputably one of the best I've heard along with Master Glenn Gould. I would listen to these recordings all day long. Her interpretation is something I've never heard before, but I'm glad to have found this pianist. It brightened my day. Edit: I hope that you give more concerts, you seem like you didn't do much this year yet

[@andrestruus5475]

Lovely and refreshing rendition! Thank You!

[@FionaWuBach]

Really inspiring performance! I love Bach and I love your playing. So this is a real treat! Thank you for your artistry!!

[@pianostream8312]

Sehr gut!

[@user-yf5bp2wx3l]

Прекрасно! Ощущение ,что больше никакая музыка уже не нужна. Кроме гениальной!❤

[@steveogle3679]

With feeling and emotion. ❤

[@free2dialogue]

I like so much the clarity and definition of your sound, as the playful conversing voices of this aetheral music keep transforming the musical space.

[@alfredoechevarrieta7512]

Absolutamente Admirable. Infinitas gracias y bendiciones a Usted.

[@mwddavis1]

Bravo Sara. I enjoyed your interpretations as much as my Glenn Gould and Sviatoslav Richter gotos.

[@clairecaterin6708]

merci beaucoup

[@markwestmore42]

Wow voice leading, wow expression, and LOVE the tempi!!❤

[@malupinorizzutello6453]

Musica divina,di un uomo divino, suonata da una donna divina .

[@MichaelConwayBaker]

I just love her interpretations of these preludes and fugues! Fabulous!!

[@andreaferioli7734]

Non ho parole

[@rravvia]

This is spectacular playing. Great use of third pedal btw. ❤

[@josephadams2378]

Delightful. Technically flawless but with more feeling than any other performance I've seen. Hoping to one day hear Volume 2.

[@alfredoechevarrieta7512]

La grabación de Rosaline Turek de 1952 también es muy especial.

[@pasteykin]

А вторую половину первого тома не хотите услышать?

[@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz]

Prelude n. 6 is a miracle!

[@MrPGOLIVEIRA]

Belíssima execução, parabéns

[@JeanPierreZeidman]

Merveilleuse prestation😊

[@martinwerner1330]

Seldom have I been so intrigued by a performance of one of Bach's instrumental compositions. Wonderful playing and wonderful interpretation! Clarity, character, coherence, ingenuity! Oftentimes, a strange thing happens: I feel that I am listening to music by other composers - Scarlatti, Beethoven, Chopin... Which illustrates a well-known fact: many composers before Bach led up to Bach, and are present in his work; conversely, Bach influenced, in some way or another, most composers that came after him.Sara manages to incorporate all this in her performance, and that's what I find most fascinating about it. This can only happen in a performance on a modern piano. The incredible stylistic scope of her interpretation simply could not be realized on a harpsichord. In a sense, this way of playing Bach dismantles the age-old dispute regarding the type of instrument Bach's music should be played on. Remember: Bach was not primarily concerned about that question. But, if you play his music on a concert grand, you have to do justice to Bach as well as the instrument at hand. Bach's genius wonderfully allows that! What's given is the actual substance - the notes on the page. Then there is an infinite range of options how to bring that substance to life. Sara's playing transports the listener and generates, light, clarity, and truth.

[@amg_-5765]

super performance! Bravo!Wonderful

[@sidilicious11]

Bach, Sara, and a lovely sounding piano 👌🏻

[@jacobhuggins5448]

Incredibly musical. I hope your channel gets more recognition, it more than deserves it. Congratulations.

[@leonardobacchi1464]

Bravissima!

[@primarykeymusic]

Mesmerizing performance!

[@willlawrence8756]

Wonderful! Pure Gold

[@povillon1]

Outstanding. At the conservatory, in the fugues, we were made to work on the different voices in solo...and from memory

[@jamesperdue8355]

Her playing is so even, inspired, clear and most of all enjoyable. As a non-pianist I marvel at how she memorized all of these. Thanks for sharing.

[@ZoltanTemesvari_temy]

Brava!

[@HelenJoannides]

That´s an absolute musical enjoyment, it makes life better. Thank you from my heart to have invested so much work to create this amazing interpretation, that has almost something monumental! Glenn Gould was for 1900 and Sara Daneshpour for 2000.

[@valtersetti3309]

L' interpretazione e' chiara,netta e la sensibilita' di questa pianista e' notevole,non segue uno schema fisso ma si adatta a ogni brano.La trovo molto brava👏👏

[@hermannh.k.hunzinger6280]

someone wrote "Great thought behind each note " ...it is the combination of thoughts of the different notes that makes her interpretation sing and singular.

[@shin-i-chikozima]

Her performance holds a marvelous power and will quench and moisturize the dryness o the soul 💐🏵️🌹🍁🍂⛩️🎏🎑

[@achenarmyst2156]

Gorgeous! It appears to me that Bach could have played this very similar in speed, clarity and brilliance, of course on the harpsichord. He was the most eminent virtuoso of his time.

[@lathapiano]

Прекрасно!

[@JohnHarmer]

Very fine playing, thankyou for this.

[@user-rn3no9em7d]

Божественно! Благодарю

[@jeffreyfleming4016]

So very well done. Beautiful.

[@paulhersch4787]

such beautiful hands playing the best WTC. recorded.

[@manfredstolze8484]

Beautiful and unique Bravo!

[@grbr12345]

Потрясающе!

[@antoniopizzoglio7318]

Fantastica pianista!!!

[@giovannitestore1845]

Bravaaaaaaaaaaaaa 👏👏👏

[@elzbietagarus7078]

great

[@seanschulze5418]

Beautiful playing - Bach is smiling....

[@lauraguelpa5646]

Grande pianista!!!❤

[@jjhhhggfify]

Brava

[@yolandarusso9961]

Extraordinaria sensibilidad y perfección Gracias!

[@MaurizioPaura]

Sublime!

[@AnonYmous-ry2jn]

Exquisite playing in every respect, truly marvelous! Thank you so much for posting it! Certainly on a level with classic renditions like Edwin Fischer's.

[@EttorealbertoGelli-vr6sz]

I'm afraid this is the go-to pianist about the MESSANGER