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From: ark@rabbit.UUCP (Andrew Koenig)
Newsgroups: net.music.classical
Subject: great Bach recording
Message-ID: <3265@rabbit.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 25-Oct-84 01:52:53 EDT
Article-I.D.: rabbit.3265
Posted: Thu Oct 25 01:52:53 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 26-Oct-84 02:46:36 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill
Lines: 14

The best recording I have ever heard of the Bach keyboard
partitas is issued by, of all places, the Smithsonian Institution.
The performer is James Weaver, and the harpsichord is one
of the instruments from their collection of musical instruments.

The playing can best be described as precise and sprightly,
the recording as bright, clear, and detailed.  The harpsichord
has a unique sound.  I expect they used quills as plectra instead
of the modern Delrin; if so, this would have something to do with it.
The unequal temperment is a delight to hear.

James Weaver, by the way, is associate curator of the museum
in charge of the musical instrument collection.  The records
are available by mail from the Smithsonian Institution.