You understand Bach very well. I spend hours each day playing Bach, and it’s always wonderful, never feels the same. Always taking me somewhere new. When I listen to you, I’m reminded of the infinite variety of emotions that can emerge from his music just by shifting the emphasis a little. I play all composers, but Bach is the one who has held up for the almost 60 years I’ve been playing his music. Don’t ever stop playing Bach for yourself. Share with others, of course, but Bach will always be there for you. He’s the reliable voice who tells you how you’re doing. I’m working on the French Suites currently, and WTC, both books. Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven and all the rest come and go, but Bach stays in my daily practice. Scriabin, too. For some reason, Scriabin is my other go-to composer.
The sarabande of Bach's French Suite No. 3 is an absolute musical monument and Avery beautiful voicing brings out both the complexity and simplicity of the piece in a way the very few have. The other performer who touched me as much as Avery with this piece is none other the Keith Jarrett :
