Bach: The Brandenburgs

Jacques Loussier | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 24, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B000IFQLSC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,802 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In bringing a sprightly jazz-trio sound to classical works, most notably by J.S. Bach, pianist Jacques Loussier has been dismissed as a lightweight popularizer by both hardcore jazz fans and serious classical enthusiasts. Yet he must be doing something right to be at it more than 45 years after founding his Play Bach Trio. Loussier's strategy in tackling all six of Bach's beloved Brandenburg Concertos, he said, involved "reducing his music to its essence" rather than elaborating on the musical texts as he once did. As ever, the notes are exceptionally clean and the rhythms neat, though bassist Benoit Dunoyer de Segonzac and drummer Andre Aprino give them a bit more oomph. Lo these decades after crossover ventures such as Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo a la Turk," and the Modern Jazz Quartet's superior Bachian delights, the jazz-meets-classical concept can be a bit dated. But Loussier's commitment to it can't be denied.   --Lloyd Sachs 

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lossy Compression, December 23, 2006

By 

J. Brian Watkins (Laie, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bach: The Brandenburgs (Audio CD)

Loussier and his trio have produced recordings of Bach that are absolutely mandatory. He has a gift for producing something between free improvisation and the original work that must be experienced. Yet in this recording his gift for going right to the heart and theme of the music takes away much of the power of the original Brandenburg concertos. He makes excellent music but the six hands of his trio are incapable of reproducing the staggering complexity of the Brandenburgs. These concertos are quite unlike Bach's concertos for solo instruments or even concertos for multiple keyboards--the Brandenburgs weave multiple themes each from a unique grouping of instruments. Of necessity, Loussier's trio homogenizes the work--complexity is the soul of Bach and in an interpretation that must, of necessity, compromise thematic elements, the soul of the concertos is lost.

Loussier's interpretations excel when he adds to the work being interpreted rather than simplifying the work as in this interpretation. When he takes a concerto for a solo instrument and adds the bass and drums the richness of Bach's original is preserved and highlighted in a new and intriguing way.

Still, even Loussier's less-successful work is head and shoulders above 99% of the feeble reinterpretations of the great master. Loussier understands Bach, loves Bach and provides an angle on Bach's music that should be part of any library; however, don't start with this one.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THAT was a Brandenburg?, January 11, 2007

By 

William C. Aycock "Bill Aycock" (Woodville, AL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bach: The Brandenburgs (Audio CD)

I have always loved the Brandenburgs, but this treatment is excellent. I first heard this in the car, and called to get the performer and CD ID. Listening where I could really pay attention was more rewarding. Lousssier has adapted Bach with flair, and made it new again. Bravo.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Melody, July 22, 2008

By 

Ron Hartman (South Jersey) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Bach: The Brandenburgs (Audio CD)

The more I listen to this CD, the more I enjoy it. It certainly doesn't replace the more traditional performances of the Brandenburgs. They show the complexity of the music better. But to my ears, this Jacques Loussier interpretation brings out the lovely melodies more. Very nice.