Customer Reviews

C.P.E. Bach: Symphonies 1-4/Cello Concerto in A with Andrew Manze

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Absolutely thrilling! Not only are these the finest performances of the symphonies of C.P.E. Bach, but they also represent music making as exciting and ebullient as you are likely to hear. The works of C.P.E. Bach represent the bridge between the baroque splendor of his famous father and the mature symphonic works of Haydn. While cast in sonata form (with no repeats), they marry the late counterpuntal styling of baroque with the cleaner approach of classicism.

Manze, who inherited the English Consort from Trevor Pinnock, has this music in his blood, leading performances as vibrant and life-affirming as any. The English Consort follows their leader with consummate skill and with a like-mind for the inherent joy of these works. For example, listen to the opening of the first symphony, where the strings attack their parts, imbuing the music with tremendous energy. Or listen to how the ensemble expertly builds tension from the comic opening of the third symphony. Similarly, the joyous close of the forth symphony makes you want this music to go on forever. These performances are an absolute joy and represent music making at its finest. Bravo to all involved.

The great Andrew Manze has done it again! Brilliant, sparkling accents and marvelous playing of this joyous music by the English Concert. - BUT DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, AND BUY THE SACD VERSION (HARMONIA MUNDI 807403) OF THIS RECORDING, INEXPLICABLY NOT OFFERED FOR SALE BY AMAZON, BUT READILY AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE.

And the night shall be filled with music,
And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs
And as silently steal away.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Day Is Done

I've played no other CD in my car since this one arrived some time ago. I play it loudly and the cars that infest the highway fold away.

Truly sublime music!