Johann Sebastian Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier: Books 1 and 2
Judith Lambden (piano)
Distinguished Australian pianist and harpsichordist Judith Lambden presents the complete J.S. Bach – The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II (BWV 846–893) a 5-CD set which was recorded over a period of nine years.
Covering every major and minor key, The Well-Tempered Clavier (48 Preludes and Fugues) are one of the great monuments of keyboard music. It is a cornerstone for teaching musicians, and a remarkable journey through Bach’s inventive counterpoint, expressive moods, and masterful harmonic structure.
Although conceived for harpsichord or clavichord, Bach’s music has long flourished on the modern piano. Lambden brings to this recording the rare authority of both pianist and harpsichordist, having studied with Ruggero Gerlin (associate of Wanda Landowska) and worked with distinguished pedagogues including Nadia Boulanger and Gustav Leonhardt. Her interpretations combine structural clarity, tonal refinement, and deep stylistic understanding.
From the luminous simplicity of the opening C major Prelude to the architectural grandeur of the final B minor Fugue, Lambden reveals the individuality of each key while shaping the cycle as a unified artistic journey.
Lambden’s long association with Bach’s music, including previous recordings of the English Suites, French Suites and more, makes this complete Well-Tempered Clavier a natural and compelling addition to her discography.
The album was recorded at Move Records Studio, with recording and editing by Vaughan McAlley and Blake Stickland, mastering by Martin Wright, and liner notes by Vaughan McAlley.
- Move Records
- 5CD set
- MCD 667