Bach: The French Suites (Murray Perahia) (2CD)

Murray Perahia's move to Deutsche Grammophon was certainly one of the most significant and momentous events of the year 2016. Perahia is not the first keyboard genius to switch to the traditional label in his mature years. His great role model Vladimir Horowitz already switched to the yellow label, as did Rudolf Serkin. Perahia's grandiose new recording of Bach's French Suites will be a true feast for music lovers and connoisseurs. Never has Bach sounded so natural and unconstrained as in Perahia's hands. The New York-born, multiple Grammy and Echo Klassik award winner has felt a close connection with Bach for decades. At the age of 15, a performance of the St. Matthew Passion made such an impression on him that it sparked a remarkable passion for the master of baroque music. Thanks to Perahia's intensive study of Bach's works, one can enjoy the enormous emotional range of the French suites from the very first minute: From bittersweet melancholy to exultant joy, Bach's masterpiece covers an incomparably rich spectrum of emotions. Due to Perahia's brilliant interpretation, this recording will certainly join the ranks of the most legendary contemporary piano recordings.