Bach: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080 ( Mac Gregor)

For lyricism, warmth, and narrative intelligence I dont think this recording of The Art of Fugue has been bettered. MacGregors concern is always to make each piece uplifting in its own way, and to give each its distinct character: C. 1 and C. 14 are taken at tempi which make them sing, C. 4 is given lots of intimate articulative touches, and the stretti in C. 5, usually dramatic, enter with a sense of quiet repose, making the piece luminously mysterious. C. 2 and C. 6 the two dottedrhythm fugues swing away