The music speaks for itself

The Well-Tempered Clavier of Bach's Preludes and a collection of joints - across all the keys - with whom the master the possibilities of the new mood of his piano (namely the well-tempered) wanted to explore. Here a work that often and gladly as exercises advanced piano students will use and has a reputation of wanting to convey beyond little emerged. Jarrett with his recording impressive that you will not cope with this reduction of the music.
This recording is now for almost 15 years in my possession and I can say that it has not lost in all the years of its fascination for me. There is a reason that may be shared by all: In Jarrett's interpretation of the performing artists recedes completely into the background and lets the music speak for itself. This has not caused positive response from the publication of this recording in the media. Jarrett was accused of the marks without soul and emphasis "easy" to play at sight. On the other hand like to highlight his "virtuosity". On the one hand can be disputed splendidly on the first point, but Jarrett's game corresponds very precisely my claim to the performance manner of the Well-Tempered Clavier: The music carries in itself already so much soul, that which does not necessarily have to add something. If one the other hand, Jarrett's game "virtuoso" by the term, it is his attempt - he confirmed the time even in interviews - does not do justice: The merger of the instrument and the performer into a single unit with the aim of music to its rightful space enter requires technical perfection. But unlike Glenn Gould this means as well that it should virtuosity actually go unnoticed. However, it opens up all at once, who once even sat at the piano. However, listening to this recording leaves primarily the feeling of being penetrated deeper into Bach's music than ever before. And this was possible because the music was even in the foreground, and not performance.
As usual, this recording is technically perfect production - as usually all from the renowned record company ECM in Munich. In addition one should perhaps mention that the very direct and intimate mood of the recording significantly facilitates access to the core of the music.
Conclusion: The very simple way of performing by Jarrett is not sensational - it is rather the medium of music that has the attribute "immortal" deserves.