Performing J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier is a feat that few pianists dare to undertake. Yet Thomas Schwan's live interpretation of both books, now available online, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IImakFsEHL8&t=20s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNkWa4__OO8&t=8019s is a resounding success, demonstrating extraordinary technical prowess, intellectual depth, and emotional insight. Schwan's artistry brings Bach's magnum opus to life as a dynamic, multifaceted creation that continues to astonish and inspire.
Schwan's approach is grounded in reverence for Bach's craftsmanship, yet it brims with individuality. Each prelude and fugue emerges as a self-contained world, yet these pieces are presented as part of a greater whole, illuminating Bach's grand design.
His interpretations are strikingly free of artifice, with the music's integrity at the forefront. An unfailing sense of balance marks Schwan's playing: his attention to detail never overshadows the work's broader architecture, and his technical brilliance always serves the music's essence.
The pianist's command of tempo is especially noteworthy. In the preludes, he allows the music to flow naturally, revealing its lyrical or dramatic qualities with an effortless grace. The fugues, often viewed as the ultimate test of contrapuntal clarity, are rendered with precision and insight, each voice distinct yet in perfectly balanced and voiced harmony. Schwan’s rendition of the D-sharp minor fugue from Book II is a tour de force, perfectly poised between intensity and restraint. While it would be unfair to single out any one fugue in a collection where each is magnificently rendered, this particular performance has stayed with me for reasons I have yet to uncover fully. Its emotional depth and structural clarity balance exemplify Schwan's profound artistry in the entire cycle.
What distinguishes Schwan's performance is his ability to convey the profound humanity of Bach's music. While the Well-Tempered Clavier is often associated with intellectual rigour, Schwan reminds us of its emotional depth. The reflective melancholy of the E-flat minor prelude from Book I and the jubilant energy of the C major prelude from Book II exemplifies his emotional range and sensitivity. His tone is consistently warm and transparent, drawing the listener into an intimate dialogue with the music.
Every aspect of Schwan's performance reflects a deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the music, showcasing his unwavering dedication to understanding and communicating Bach's genius. His interpretation radiates a sense of cohesion and depth, revealing a vision that honours this monumental work's intellectual rigour and emotional resonance.
Listening to his performance, I returned to my formative experience with this masterpiece: Sviatoslav Richter's unforgettable Salzburg recital of the Well-Tempered Clavier in the early 1970s. At age 14, I was awestruck by Richter's monumental interpretation, steeped in mysticism and grandeur.
Thomas Schwan's approach is a study in contrast—modern, reflective, and luminously clear. Yet both performances are committed to uncovering the profound truths within Bach's music, each a testament to its timelessness.
Thomas Schwan's live performance of the Well-Tempered Clavier is a rare and remarkable achievement. It reminds us why this work remains a cornerstone of Western music, demanding a synthesis of technical mastery, intellectual acuity, and emotional resonance. Schwan meets these demands with elegance and insight, creating an interpretation that feels as relevant today as it must have in Bach's time. His achievement is a significant milestone in his career and a benchmark for the ongoing dialogue between artists and this immortal masterpiece.
Walter
Your review radiates a sense of awe and respect for both Schwan and Bach—it's a compelling invitation to experience their music anew.
The comparison to Richter’s Salzburg recital adds a personal and historical layer to your review. It’s fascinating to see how different pianists approach this monumental work.
This review captures not only Schwan's artistry but also your deep understanding of The Well-Tempered Clavier. It’s as enlightening as it is engaging.