JOURNAL ARTICLE

Partitas/Italian Concerto/French Overture ...

  • Published In: American Record Guide, 2026, v. 89, n. 3. P. 20 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: LEHMAN 3 of 3

Abstract

This article reviews Volume 11 of Benjamin Alard’s planned 17-volume series of Johann Sebastian Bach’s solo keyboard works, focusing on performances of Partitas, the Italian Concerto, French Overture, and Duets played on historic harpsichords. Alard uses a 3-manual Hass harpsichord from 1740 and a 2-manual Kirkman harpsichord from 1757, emphasizing registration changes and a bright, metrical style, though some minor performance errors and editing issues are noted. The review compares Alard’s interpretations with those of harpsichordists Peter Watchorn and Igor Kipnis, who offer alternative approaches featuring 16-foot registers and more spontaneous embellishments. This recording is recommended primarily for listeners interested in historic harpsichord timbres and registration effects rather than interpretive nuance. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:American Record Guide. 2026/05, Vol. 89, Issue 3, p20
  • Document Type:Arts/Entertainment Review
  • Subject Area:Music
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0003-0716
  • Accession Number:193240920
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