A native of Dornbirn in the Austrian Vorarlberg, pianist Aaron Pilsan has a robust online presence as well as a number of recordings to his credit. His recording of Book 1 of The Well-Tempered Clavier appeared to warm reviews (6/21). This new Book 2 reveals a seasoned, thoughtful Bach player of keen intelligence. Pilsan’s readings are straightforward and unaffected, speaking with a purity of inspiration and a clarity that belie his 30 years.

Among many outstanding moments are the sunny D major Prelude, with its trumpet fanfares, followed by the sturdy four-voice Fugue, and just a bit later, the dark harmonic contortions of the D sharp minor Fugue. Toccata-like pieces such as the G sharp minor Prelude achieve an inexorable momentum, mitigated in this case only by the predictability of the terraced dynamics. A sweet fragrance permeates the carefree A major Prelude and Fugue before an ominous descent into the tortuous chromatic meanderings of the pair in A minor.

Overall, Pilsan is an expert at imbuing each prelude and fugue with its own distinct character. Purists may wish for a stronger sense of the Baroque dance in several of the pieces. And occasionally, one might prefer the emotional temperature ratcheted up or down a few degrees: joys more ebullient or tragedies of greater poignancy. Yet for those who love their Bach played on a piano, Pilsan will no doubt provide hours of pleasurable listening.