Advantages: J. S. Bach; all musicians and vocalists; Karajan. Disadvantages: Karajan's big, ponderous sound and historical inauthenticity, for some.
the ViolinConcerto in E Major. This is followed by the great 'Magnificat', for which a handful of guest singers hold forth splendidly, backed by the RIAS Kammerchor (Chamber Choir). Herr von Karajan helms this ship from the keyboard of the second harpsichord. Already about 77 years old at the time of this recording, the man is much more sparing in his movements. (By contrast, the late Hungarian Georg Solti was still an energetic 90 at the time he guest conducted the Washington National Symphony Orchestra just a couple of years before his death.)
The Berlin Philharmonie (Berlin Philharmonic Hall) is differently designed to the usual concert venue. The stage is close to street level and surrounded on four sides by the audience, with higher, tiered seating on three sides. Tubular light fixtures hang in staggered fashion from the ceiling ...
Advantages: Beautiful relaxing music. Rich instrumentation. Played with passion. Disadvantages: Not all instruments are from the period.
and prettiest of the Brandenburg concertos - and probably is.
The harpsichord, normally playing continuo under the melody, suddenly rises to stunning solo prominence in the fifth. Played magnificently by George Malcolm, the effective is superlative.
In the final Brandenburg concerto, Bach leaves out the violins (a unique action for a baroque composer), using lower strings only. Menuhin also takes the first viola leading the orchestra in a richness and profound sound that evoke a deep whirlwind-sensation of emotions.
The Marquis of Brandenburg may not have appreciated this, Bach's gift of six concertos, but I certainly do. Bach gave the world a gift to treasure for all time. Yehudi Menuhin, George Malcolm, Christopher and Richard Taylor and the rest of the Bath Festival Orchestra perform them with heart-felt passion.
It may not be ...
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 / ViolinConcertos 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 ...
