Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
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CD Details
Edition: Music CDAudio: English (Unknown)
CD Release Date: 2005-10-18
Music Label: Naive
Soundtracks:
Music CD 1
- (...)
- Adagio
- Allegro
- Menuet
- Trio A 2 Hautbois E Bassono. Corni E Vile Tacent
- Menuet Repetat
- Poloinesse. Tutti Violini E Viole Ma Piano. Violino Piccolo Tacet
- Menuet Ab Inizio
- Trio A 2 Corni & 3 Hautbois In Unissono
- Menuet (...) Ab Inizio/Avec Grande Reprise
- (...)
- Andante
- Allegro Assai
- (...)
- Adagio. Allegro
- Sinfonia
- Allegro
- Andante
- Presto
- Allegro
- Affettuoso
- Allegro
- Cadenza (First Version; 1st Movement: Bars 147-180)
- (...)
- Adagio, Ma Non Tanto
- Allegro
Music reviews of Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
Music Review: Revelation!
Rating: 5 Stars
For many reasons, Bach's Brandenburg Concertos capture the public's imagination like very few of his other orchestral/chamber works. Due to the vast amount of distinguished recordings available, no performer or performing group is to take it lightly when walking into the recording studio with these works.(*) The question they all have to ask themselves is: "Do I have anything new to say, without resorting to shock and awe?"
Here Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano give us a revelatory performance without any quirks. The previous reviewers have eloquently lauded this performance in various ways, but IMHO there are still a few crucial points missing in the earlier reviews.
The most important aspect of this recording is, for me, the clarity of the texture: Everything (the pedaling bass, the exchanging parts, the canonic imitation... everything!) is lucidly presented. In fact, a well-trained musician should be able to take the music down from this recording. Take Concerto No.3, for example, where only strings and basso continuo are used. Many recordings tend to be murky, and I had hard time telling which instrument is "in" and which is not. Not here! And this is not simply the matter of one-voice-per-part, or utilizing the period instruments. The very good performance by Freiburger Barockorchester (DVD), for example, falls slightly short of this test. It is, among others, a combination of phrasing, dynamics, rhythm, instrumental colors and balance. This brings us to the next point.
The second feature is the supple rhythms and dynamics this Italian group brings to these works: the Italianate flair, for lack of better description. They maintain the energy of the music without resorting to the "down-beat-driven propelment." Rather, the supple and fluid phrasing and rhythmic nuance are used to keep the music "buoyant." The result is absolutely absorbing.
Thirdly, the liner note by Alessandrini himself is fascinating and insightful. There he discusses the style, instrumentation, structure, and character of each piece. Alessandrini's notes have never been less than excellent, but here he sets an even higher bar! For example, he disputes the "common wisdom" of the French character in the first concerto, discusses the difficulty of balancing a recorder and a trumpet in the second, and explains his ideas of the famous two chords (G Major - a minor) at the end of the first movement of the third concerto. It is full of insight. A must-read!
Fourthly, Alessandrini's virtuosic harpsichord performance is absolutely superb and was also highly praised in Mr. Morrison's review. The brilliant cadenza in the Fifth Concerto is a must-listen. (A bonus track of alternative cadenza is also offered.)
Finally, the recorded sound is truly remarkable and adds greatly to the listening pleasure.
No matter how many recordings you already have, you will NEED to hear this performance if you enjoy the Brandenburgs. I regret it has taken me so long to hear this recording. Don't repeat my mistake!(**)
My highest recommendation.
(Note: A filler of the Sinfonia movement from Cantata BWV 174 is offered at the end of the first disc.)
(*) For example, Gardiner waited until recently to announce his first release of these concertos by his own label Soli Deo Gloria.
(**) This set originally comes with a bonus DVD by Beziat. If any reader knows how to get hold of it, or to view it online, please kindly let me know in the Comment below.
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Description of Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.If you're familiar with Alessandrini and his sparkling period instrument ensemble you expect interpretations featuring rhythmic drive, colorful playing, and original insights. Those characteristics are what help make this version of Bach's perennial and oft-recorded Brandenburg Concertos so compelling. Tempos are generally on the fast side, but never overly swift, while slow movements have just the right touch of soulfulness. Virtually without exception, the solo bits are done with imaginative, fluent expertise, and Gabriele Cassone?s rendition of the famous trumpet part of the Second Brandenburg provides musical thrills, as well as virtuoso ones. Alessandrini himself takes us on a wild ride through the Fifth Concerto?s brilliant harpsichord cadenza. --Dan Davis
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