Johann Sebastian Bach

Putting on the disk for the first time, it sounded very pleasant, but somehow disturbing. I was returning to it again and again, and finally nailed down the source of unease. However, it was only after listening to his previous disk (Philipp Glass) and the next one (Bach reworks). While technically impeccable, and pleasant-sounding, it also sounds cyclical, as if it was Glass who was commissioned to write these works. No, this is not correct. It is as if a very advanced AI was programmed to rework Bach in a standardised Glass-like fashion. The fact that it was done obviously by a live person in a vast expansion of effort, learning and ingenuity does not change the feeling of unease. The tendency was already apparent in Simone Dinnerstein Bach recordings, it has crested in Olafsson. Since the record is hugely popular and has already been named “the record of the year” by various outlets, there are sure to be imitators, most probably of a lesser quality. Mr Olafsson is fully conscious that his record is a harbinger of things to come, saying that this is Bach for the new generation. Similar sentiments were notably expressed by Ms Dinnerstein in respect of her work. As an antidote, I am currently listening to Richter, Nikolaeva, Kempf, Tureck and Yudina. If Olafsson becomes the standardised Bach for the new century – well, some of us at least have an alternative.

This is by far the best Classical/Baroque Music album I have bought in years. A wonderful compendium of J.S.Bach' s music, all adapted or originally for keyboard played on piano by an excellent pianist. I have listened repeatedly to it since hearing it on Idagio and then buying the album. It has a timeless quality, as does all Bach's music, but there is something particularly unique about this collection. Cannot recommend it highly enough.

A truly wonderful disc of Bach music arranged for the piano & exquisitely played by this young Icelander. For me the highlights are the Andante from the Organ Sonata No 4 (track 5) .....just sublime, timeless music.....and the final Fantasia & Fugue.If, like me, you consider Bach 's music to be one of Mankind's greatest achievements, this CD is an essential purchase.

This is one of my discs of the year and a complete surprise. A selection of original Bach compositions for keyboard - preludes, fugues, inventions and the A minor variations BWV989, interspersed with a variety of well-chosen transcriptions by Stradal, Kempff, Busoni, Siloti and Rachmaninov. Ólafsson's astonishing virtuosity is always discreet, and throughout his playing is as fine as any Bach performance I've heard on a modern piano. The programme itself is a delight. The sound and recording quality are exceptionally fine. This is a beautiful disc.

I can only add my superalatives about this extraordianary CD of Bach transcriptions. The range of expression is unsurpassed in anything I for one have heard and the compilation of seemingly diverse extracts has a line, structure and sense of journeying that you would be forgiven for believing they had been orginally composed as played here. It's amazing that we have yet another young prostigious talent alongside Levit and Trifanov.

The compilation comprise 35 miniatures of Bach's original piano works and transcriptions for piano.We listen to an unusually beautiful and attractive rendition characterized by freshness, clarity, unhurried dexterity, and capturing the impressive varietal richness of Bach's music. There is an intrinsic charm in Bach's small keyboard works which display the various facets of the composer's complex character. There was intelligence and wisdom in the choice of the specific pieces which are bound with family resemblances and connections contributing to the overall beauty and appeal of the compilation.

Fabulous. The most interesting and alive interpretation of Bach I have heard for a long time. Vikingur is a brilliant performer. His enthusiasm above all gives the music a contemporary aspect that both delights and satisfies.

I bought this because I heard a bit on Radio 3 and was curious to hear the rest. This is a wonderful interpretation of Bach's music. To be enjoyed again and again.