Bach: Mass in B minor; Magnificat

Advantages: Wonderful transcriptions of JS Bach's majestic music; sensitive, tender, vivacious, effortless and fluid playing.
Disadvantages: Nil.

...with such vivacity, tenderness and sensitivity as these are – then I turn into a harmless, non-homicidal and blissfully happy Bachmaniac. For a glimpse of pure trumpet heaven, there’s the lively, minor-key Badinerie, lifted from the Orchestral Suite No. 2 (originally written for solo flute and strings), on which Ms Balsom plays a solo piccolo trumpet (the highest-pitched one). And if you’re seeking some lovely pathos to enjoy, there’s the Agnus Dei from the Mass in B minor. Here the trumpet’s mournfulness is no less affecting than the original version with voice, supplemented as it is with textural harmonic counterpoint from the violin, organ and viola da gamba. But really, mere words still fail me in this attempt to capture the all-around excellence of this disc. Go and listen to the music for yourself. Following are a few... Read review

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Advantages: Some outstanding works, a balanced album
Disadvantages: None

...The first CD in this fine collection of Stanford's choral works, this compilation delivers well. This collection focuses on the first period of his choral work, 'Cambridge Years'. Dominating the tracklisting are settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Particularly outstanding are those in B flat and F. You cannot fail to be moved by either the depth of bass in the Nunc Dimittis of the former, or by the triumphal crescendoes in the Magnificat of the latter that demonstrate this composer's temendous ability to bring words to life. The other settings, in E flat and A, are no less majestic. However, it is perhaps hard to appreciate these as one should when they are found on the same disc as those aforementioned. The rest of the CD provides a good contrast to the Evening settings. The anthems and motets provide for a more rounded view... Read review

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

...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... Read review

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