Accordingly, his performance resembles no other harpsichord rendition in its range of colour and articulation, and in its varied approach to tempo –ranging from near-metronomic rigidity to generous rubati. He also goes further than most in de-synchronising supposedly simultaneous notes, thereby clarifying textures and creating a palpable sense of dialogue between the voices.

The resulting performance will not be to all tastes; even a single listener might find it mannered and contrived at one moment –and moving and revelatory at the next. To my ears, for instance, Brookshire’s rubato sometimes generates a disturbing stop-and-go effect. Yet for the most part, his performance surges forward with a rare combination of spontaneous freedom, contrapuntal transparency and a clear sense of purpose and direction.

The bonus CD-ROM, allowing listeners to hear the music while watching the score on screen, is a kind of teaser; Brookshire is planning to release a more extensive package, in which this performance will be combined with a full analysis and an interactive counterpoint tutorial. I hope to report on its publication in due course; meanwhile, this dramatic and impassioned performance can be strongly recommended. URI GOLOMB

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
BWV 1080
Bradley Brookshire
Bach Harpsichord Inc. BHI 1080
2004 - 73:50 min.