JS Bach: Violin Concertos - Fabrio Biondi/Europa Galante
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CD Details
Edition: Music CDCD Release Date: 2000-01-11
Music Label: EMI Classics
Soundtracks:
- I Allegro
- II Adagio
- III Allegro
- I (Allegro)
- II Largo
- III Presto
- I (Allegro)
- II Adagio
- III Allegro
- I (Allegro)
- II Adagio E Piano Sempre
- III Allegro
Music reviews of JS Bach: Violin Concertos - Fabrio Biondi/Europa Galante
Music Review: A Bach and Biondi Favorite
Rating: 5 Stars
If you are looking for Bach's "original violin concertos" (BWV 1041-1043), these are not them. What is on this CD are concertos "reconstructed" from some of Bach's later harpsichord concertos. Behind this reconstruction is the presumption that Bach's keyboard concertos were all transcribed from earlier violin concertos (a common practice of that era). But, for the concertos featured on this disc, there are no surviving original violin concertos - hence the need to work backwards and "reconstruct" the assumed violin part. Such a change of soloist instrumentation brings one advantage: the violin's supreme, vocal expressivity over the leyboard, particularly in the slower, aria-like movements. So, with this role-reversal, the violinist in the driver's seat - which, in the case of period-virtuoso Fabio Biondi - sets the stage for something promising to come.
One might expect upon seeing Fabio Biondi as lead violin, music full of high drama and adrenaline like his Vivaldi recordings. But, while some of that energy is here in the allegros, the music overall here has a more elgant, richly melodic and even sometimes contemplative mood to it that is most fitting to the period and composer. Most notable is Biondi's characteristic equiste shaping of the music, with a joyful and sensuous tone that make for an attractive listening experience. Few can match his gorgeous and expressive "singing style" which finds a perfect match in the slow, aria-esque movements. The adagios and largos are taken at just the right pace and are truly beautiful to behold (the G minor largo can sing you to sleep). And no work is more melodically-alluring than the Concerto for Violin and Oboe which features a most gentle and soaring dialog between the two lyrical soloists in the Adagio. Fabio Biondi's sweet, honeyed tones like this can truly spoil one and change your conceptions of "period instruments." Equally, Biondi's wonderfully articulated bowing in the D minor Allegro solo is equisite and compelling, creating an ethereal tremolo effect that is mesmerizing. The spirited allegros have just the right amount of verve and pace without forgetting this is Bach and not Vivaldi. The harpsichord concerto BWV 1054 is also quite satisfying, having a perfectly judged tempo and an upbeat - yet relaxed - feel to it that makes it a frequent favorite.
The Europa Galante are an equal star in the set and sound marvelous with their smaller Baroque orchestra that brings a more intimate, chamber-like feel to the music. I really liked this aspect as likely will others who prefer chamber-music dynamics over full symphonies. Overall, there is a nobility and poise in their playing here that is not rushed, but yet communicates depth and passion. It is most refreshing music. Last, I found the sound quality to be full, clear, balanced - one of the better ones I have from Veritas - so I cannot agree with the lead review citing a deficiency. In short, this is a fairly unique approach and recording of some Bach Concertos full of stylish yet refined playing in a smaller chamber-like setting. I have a lot of CD's of Bach by many groups and many from the Europa Galante, but this one became a surprize favorite. Five stars.
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