Johann Sebastian Bach - Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2 (Pierre-Laurent Aimard)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

• Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2: Preludes & Fugues, BWV 870–893

Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano

Date: 2025

Label: PentaTone

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Pierre-Laurent Aimard, one of the most thoughtful pianists of our time, presents Book II of Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, following his acclaimed recording of Book I. Known for his precision and deep musical insight, Aimard reveals the expressive richness and inventive counterpoint of Bach’s 24 Preludes and Fugues, treating the work as a living artistic creation rather than a historical artifact. His approach blends clarity, emotional nuance, and a modern interpretive perspective. A strong advocate for contemporary music, Aimard’s recent PENTATONE releases include highly praised recordings of Messiaen, Beethoven, Bartók, Schubert, and Kurtág, confirming his wide-ranging artistic vision.

Pierre-Laurent Aimard (born 1957) is a renowned French pianist celebrated for his innovative programming and exceptional interpretations across historical and contemporary repertoire. He has held prominent artistic residencies at major venues and festivals worldwide, and served as Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival from 2009 to 2016. Honored with major awards including the International Ernst von Siemens Music Prize (2017) and the Leonie Sonning Music Prize (2022), Aimard has also taught at leading institutions and helped develop the online Ligeti resource Explore the Score. Known for close collaborations with influential composers and chamber partners, he has released numerous acclaimed recordings on Pentatone, including works by Kurtág, Schubert, Bartók, Messiaen, and Beethoven.