The Secret Bach - Works for Clavichord /Hogwood

This is a disc of what are thought to be versions of Bach's works which were for his own private performance on the clavichord. Christopher Hogwood cites Forkel writing 50 years after Bach's death, saying that Bach loved to play in private on the clavichord above all other instruments and presents these works as an illustration of some more private aspects of Bach's music and character, like his role as a teacher to his sons. It is a convincing and very interesting notion which Hogwood brings off excellently.The music, of course is sublime, with some quite subtle but interesting differences from the versions we may be used to. Hogwood is a fantastic musician and plays it all wonderfully. However - and this is almost certainly a personal thing - I find the sound of the clavichord somehow rather unsatisfying. It is a small, quiet domestic instrument and it just seems to me to be straining to be heard all the time - fine for practice and personal use but not really for shared performance. This means that for me this isn't a wholly successful disc. It is interesting throughout and charming in places but as a satisfying musical experience it falls a little short.You may well not share my reservations about the clavichord so please don't let me put you off. This is a disc of superb music, excellently performed. It just didn't quite fit my personal taste.

This is a disc of what are thought to be versions of Bach's works which were for his own private performance on the clavichord. Christopher Hogwood cites Forkel writing 50 years after Bach's death, saying that Bach loved to play in private on the clavichord above all other instruments and presents these works as an illustration of some more private aspects of Bach's music and character, like his role as a teacher to his sons. It is a convincing and very interesting notion which Hogwood brings off excellently.The music, of course is sublime, with some quite subtle but interesting differences from the versions we may be used to. Hogwood is a fantastic musician and plays it all wonderfully. However - and this is almost certainly a personal thing - I find the sound of the clavichord somehow rather unsatisfying. It is a small, quiet domestic instrument and it just seems to me to be straining to be heard all the time - fine for practice and personal use but not really for shared performance. This means that for me this isn't a wholly successful disc. It is interesting throughout and charming in places but as a satisfying musical experience it falls a little short.You may well not share my reservations about the clavichord so please don't let me put you off. This is a disc of superb music, excellently performed. It just didn't quite fit my personal taste.