Alexis Weissenberg - Jesu, joy of man's desirig

Thhis is the transcription of the cantata Bwv 147 by the great Willhelm Kempff

"Poor in spirit." Overshoots the mark with grossly exaggerated, inappropriate sense of drama where the passion of human emotionalism is the antithesis of Bach's intention.

The accompanying triplets are consistently overemphasized and much too loud. As a result the pieces PLODS when it should FLOW.

For Heaven's sake listen to Myra Hess, who REALLY knew what she -- and Bach -- were doing.

THANK YOU. Someone agrees with me. Hess's arrangement cannot be equalled or surpassed.

Agree. Nonetheless, you have to consider he was playing in a roman arena of 18000 spectators, not famous for its acoustics, were only the loudest operatic voices can survive...

Are you at all familiar with Weissenberg's output? His personal style would give you some context within which to understand. Furthermore, his interpretations on this piece vary, if you'd care to listen to his studio recordings.

Cheers!

I've heard a great deal of his playing. He's highly competent -- even brilliant -- but I've always found his interpretations cold -- aloof -- emotionally uninvolved. There are so many artists with greater appeal.

In short Weissenberg may be admirable, but he's not lovable -- at least not for me.

Best regards,

Pischnaholic

Lipatti had the pure heavenly tone, agreed with you on this even though, this piece is also great when played by Kempff

And greatest of all -- by far -- when played by Myra Hess.

it may be the quality of the recording, but to me the climactic part sounds too aggressive. still i really enjoyed the performance. but for me, this arrangement of the piece will always be associated with lipatti.

what does that mean?