Bach WTC II Well-Tempered Clavier Book 2 Complete Live Performance - Thomas Schwan, piano

Comments · 2.3K

• MR

  @MrVincent537 · 2 years ago · pinned

  Here I can finally hear only Bach and no one else, not even the pianist. Thomas Schwan is an absolute medium for Bach&apos;s music. The sound is also out of this world. It is the first time in my 68 years (I am meanwhile 69 and in March 70) that I have heard such a clear, present and differentiated piano sound. <br>When I listen to this recording again now, I have a kind of transcendental perception of the whole event or happening, as if I were facing Bach and he was talking to me about his life experience, about his music and about humanity. This is a very intense emotional experience because I realize the true expression of a great soul like Bach in real life as Bach is living on through his music, played by Thomas Schwan. Today I realize for the first time that this recording represents such an intense life experience with Bach that I cannot hold back my tears.

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• DG

  @DGHamblin · 2 years ago (edited)

  I grew up listening to my father play WTC 1&amp;2. He would often practice late at night as I was falling asleep. For years I tried to find an artist who played Bach in a way which reminded me of this memory, none were satisfactory until i found your videos. You are exponentially better than he ever was, but the tempo at which you play, and the feeling you embed into the composition &nbsp;is reminiscent of what I heard and felt as a child while he struggled to learn the pieces to his satisfaction. I often listen to this while i fall asleep at night, or anytime I need to relax. Thank you for making this old man&apos;s heart happy.

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• PE

  @peterwatchorn5618 · 3 years ago

  So, Thomas: I reserved my comment for now, having had the privilege of hosting you in Boston and hearing you play the whole of Book 2 live in an incomparable performance of simplicity, beauty and integrity. It was also a privilege to play Book 1 for you on the pedal harpsichord. As an experienced Bach player for over 50 years, I add my voice to others here. You play this music as well as I&apos;ve heard it played, making it effective on an instrument that Bach did not know, and projecting both his spirit and your own enormous musical insights. Bravo, thanks, and looking forward to your next visit! Peter Watchorn

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• OS

  @osiggaard-andersen1843 · 3 years ago

  The auditorium ought to be completely full with people standing on the stairs. This is a unique performance. Thank you, Thomas.

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• MA

  @matthewsouthwell · 3 years ago (edited)

  I&apos;ve never tipped before on this platform but couldn&apos;t sit here listening to this wonderful performance for free. What a feat of athleticism and artistry to perform 24 preludes and fugues from memory and with such lyricism that truly embodies the spirit of Bach. I&apos;ve listened to Gould and Schiff and this performance easily sits alongside these titans. Thanks for sharing.

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• DU

  @dustinlaferney3160 · 3 years ago

  WOW! &nbsp;I saw this in my feed, and could hardly believe anyone could or would undertake playing the entire WTC II from memory in front of an audience. &nbsp;Congratulations on your achievement and thank you sharing your art. &nbsp;The world is better for it!

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• ST

  @stereodachs · 3 years ago

  This room should be full of people. . Thomas is absolute stunning.<br>Also respect to the sound engineer 👏🏼

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• RE

  @retf054ewte3 · 2 years ago

  There is an old saying (by myself): &quot;we LIKE to hear what WE like to hear&quot;.<br>I have come back to this page many many times. Why? because . I like this music the way Mr. Schwan performs it.

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• MR

  @MrVincent537 · 3 years ago

  The playing of Bach music by Thomas Schwan is a unique musical light for the soul of the listener.

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• AR

  @ArmenFKaz · 2 years ago

  JS Bach is my favorite composer of all times. I breath with Bach. At my medical office there is always his music is playing overhead. Living in USA I have traveled 3 times to Eisenach to spend time at his house and museum. &nbsp;I know every performer who ever played Bach - from Richter to Gould, but since last year when I discovered Thomas performing WTC he became my favorite Bach performer with his absolutely new fresh air of Bach&apos;s music . with very new interpretation of Bach&apos;s music. I cannot listen to any other performers after Thomas. It is incredible that this crazy times still can bring to us such a performer and Bach lover like Thomas. Bravo, bravo , bravo....

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• SI

  @simondurrant1 · 3 years ago

  I opened this intending to listen to the first prelude + fugue while waiting for something, out of curiosity, and here I am at the end of the entire book, absolutely gripped. &nbsp;This is true music-making of the highest quality. &nbsp;The level of control and the precision of the voicing is a joy to listen to and the beauty of the tone obtained from the instrument is exceptional. &nbsp;The interpretations feel sensible and well-placed, giving centre stage to the music above the performer. &nbsp;Truly magnificent.

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• DG

  @DGHamblin · 2 years ago

  I have listened to this at least 100 times. It never gets old. Thomas Schwan plays Bach like no other. He is simply the best.

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