MAHAN ESFAHANI | JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH The Well-Tempered Clavier (Mahan Esfahani's ambitious Bach cycle reaches its peak with a complete recording of The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1. Written in 1722, these 24 Preludes and Fugues in all major and minor keys remain one of the supreme achievements of Western music. Esfahani performs on a German double-manual harpsichord built by Huw Saunders, based on an instrument thought to have belonged to Bach himself. This rare chance to hear the music on harpsichord - the instrument for which it was originally conceived - illuminates the work's colour, articulation and expressive depth. Already the recipient of a Gramophone Award, BBC Music Magazine Awards, Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik, Opus Klassik Recording of the Year, Diapason d'Or, Choc de Classica, and an ICMA, Esfahani has established himself as the foremost harpsichordist of his generation. This Hyperion 2-CD release further confirms his standing. Recommended)