Among the first pianists of the 20th century to play pure-Bach, Samuel and Gieseking are distinguished for having programmed large scale works by Bach in their recitals. Unlike Gieseking's sovereign instrumental and musical mastery, Samuel sounds correct, academic and less interesting. While his Bach is always careful, reined-in and overly cautious, we have too few documents of how he played other composers to gain a full understanding of his art. He helped prepare listeners for then unfamiliar compositions by Bach through an honest and earnest approach
© Allan Evans, 1996