Donald Satz wrote (September 20, 2001):
I was trying to think back to the last time I reviewed a Christiane Jaccottet recording, then realized that I'm doing it presently with her Goldberg Variations (BWV 988) along with a host of others. Jaccottet's recording of the Goldbergs is turning out to be a most rewarding performance which compares well with other excellent harpsichord versions. Her version of the Inventions & Sinfonias is an even better proposition which rivals the superb interpretations of Leonhardt and Suzuki.

The Sinfonias are considered deeper and more complex music than the Inventions, and Jaccottet's performances highlight this premise. In the 2-part Inventions, she establishes her preferences for momentum and vitality; the pieces respond beautifully to her approach. Most impressive is Jaccottet's youthfulness and zest for life. In the Sinfonias, she adapts to the deeper music excellently. Pieces such as the D minor, E flat major, E minor, and G minor find Jaccottet well into the core of the music with great poignancy. The five preludes are a super bonus, played with the same insights and uncanny instincts Jaccottet displays in the Inventions & Sinfonias. I'm so taken with this disc that I've had no desire to do any comparision listening.

The recorded sound, although not state of the art, is fine; it's crisp, clear, and well brings out the details in the music. Jaccottet is on the angular side which can, although infrequently, create a clashing sound at high volume.

Don's Conclusion: The disc presents a Bach performing artist at the peak of her insight and artistry. Jaccottet is in total command; she fully understands each piece of music and expertly delivers her messages. Overall, Jaccottet gives the most vibrant performances I've heard in a long time. With a great approach and superb execution, this inexpensive recording would be an essential purchase at premium price. Concerning overall recommendations, save some spots in your library for Jaccottet, Leonhardt, and Suzuki on harpsichord along with Gould and Peter Serkin on piano. I'm now going back to listen to Jaccottet until the clock strikes midnight.

Feedback to the Review

Jim Morrison wrote (September 21, 2001):
[To Donald Satz] I'm curious, where did you pick up the Jaccottet disc? At a used? I haven't seen it at the on-line stores.

Donald Satz wrote (September 22, 2001):
[To Jim Morrison] Yes, I picked it up used.

Inventions & Sinfonias BWV 772-801: Details
Recordings: Until 1950 | 1951-1960 | 1961-1970 | 1971-1980 | 1981-1990 | 1991-2000 | From 2001
Reviews of Individual Recordings: I&S - B. van Asperen & E. Joyé | I&S - C. Jaccottet | I&S - E. Koroliov | I&S - G. Leonhardt
General Discussions: Part 1 | Part 2

Christiane Jaccottet: Short Biography | Recordings of Non-Vocal Works
Reviews of Non-Vocal Recordings: Bach’s Inventions/Sinfonias from Christiane Jaccottet | Well Tempered Clavier Book 1 from Christiane Jaccottet

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