Bach: Concerto for Two Violins in D minor / Violin Concertos in A minor & E minor - Johann Sebastian Bach

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money

Advantages:	Romantic orchestral music
Disadvantages:	Only 1 hour  -  eat quickly for a romantic dinner

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Johann Sebastian Bach, giant among Baroque composers, was a prolific writer whose versatility and creativity resulted in a wealth of musical works with a diversity ranging from sacred choral works, keyboard music to orchestra music.

The CD, Concerto for Two Violins in D minor / Violin Concertos in A minor & E minor, is an orchestral recording conducted by Salvatore Accardo, in which two violins (Anne-Sophie Mutter and Salvatore Accardo) / solo violin (Anne-Sophie Mutter) are contrasted with a larger orchestra (English Chamber Orchestra) of strings and bass continuo instrument the harpsichord.

Bach is often criticized for his strict attention to form. Whilst, I greatly admire Bach for his intellectual and methodical approach to composition, what I enjoy most is the harmonious and melodic music that results.
This CD is a superb example of the exquisite music composed by Bach. Each of three concertos on the album complies with the standard concerto form favored by Bach of three contrasting movements – fast, slow, fast.

The first piece, Concerto in E minor, has a fast opening movement in which the solo violin, played by Anne-Sophie Mutter, flirts with the larger orchestral group with an infectious cheerfulness. The second movement is quieter, slower and more reflective where the violin sings out day-dreamily. The piece ends with a fast, happy dance-like movement.

Salvatore Accardo joins Anne-Sophie Mutter for the second piece, Concerto for two violins in D minor. This is probably the best known of Bach’s concertos. In the opening Vivace (lively) movement, the two soloists converse together in a quasi fugue. The first violin making a statement answered by the second in an alternating melodic line. The parts overlapping and vying for attention. The middle movement, Largo ma non tanto (slow but not too much) is tender and loving, as the two violins whisper sweetly to each other, distant from the larger orchestra who repeat their melodies in unison. The Fast closing movement is complex and intensifies to a dramatic finale.

The third piece, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in E major, opens with a fast spirited movement. The slow middle section is hauntingly beautiful. The closing movement is fast moving and happy.

Each of the pieces is distinct with a unique charm. Anne-Sophie Mutter was only 20 years old when she recorded this album. Her enthusiastic and fiery playing contrasts perfectly with the more experienced and mature playing of the 42 year old Salvatore Accardo. The English Chamber Orchestra blends into the music supporting and complementing the soloist performances.

Bach was born to a musical family in Eisenach, Germany on March 21, 1685.He trained from an early age as an organist and choirmaster taking up posts in Kothen and Leipzig.

The CD was released in November 1983 on EMI Classics label and costs £11.99. The music is romantic and tender that irresistibly arouses passionate and loving feelings. It is a beautiful recording with that has to be heard. Play it during a romantic candle-lit dinner for two.