Customer Reviews

J. S. Bach - Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-6 / Lamon, Tafelmusik

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Since many parts of the Brandenburg concertos(BWV 1046-51) have long been an enigma to Bach historians, it has, in the modern day, become increasingly difficult to accurately label any one recording or interpretation of these works as "Historically accurate". However, of all the recent recordings(of which there have been quite a few), I believe that this set is perhaps closest to being able to make the claim. Impressive enough is the fact that the recording is done completely on historically modeled instruments(avoiding all of their intonational and technical pitfalls), but perhaps even more jaw-dropping is the amount of historical and musical detail that is evident throughout the recording.

Tafelmusik, while composed mostly lesser-known, but phenominally virtuoistic performers, is definately no slouch, and it's obvious that every one of them has a profound understanding of how Bach's music would have been performed in it's time. Fine details, like improvised cadenzas(the interlude of #3, for instance) and well thought out continuo/harpsichord improvisation, shine out at listeners who search for them.

Perhaps more important to the average listener, however, is the fact that the music, while being "historically accurate", is also musically enthralling. Unlike many versions that I have heard(such as M. Andre's adaption of concerto #2 for picc. trumpet), the secondary voices are not made into second-rate citizens, and are allowed to shine out and bring out perhaps unbefore heard lines that are both beautiful and intriguing. This version of the concerto #2(my personal favorite), for instance, does not simply show off the trumpet players virtuosity; instead it is an aural game of tag, the lines passing off from instrument to instrument, bringing forth a complexity that is truly breathtaking to hear.

This combination of historical detail and profoundly beautiful interpretation and musicianship makes this, in my opinion, one of the most deep and impressive Brandenburg sets available. It is listenable to on many levels, as it is not so profound as to be enjoyable by the general public, nor is it over-simplified, like so many interpretations of Bach's works we see today. This is a collection piece, for both the avid Bach fan and the casual music enthusiast.

My first exposure to the Brandenburg Concertos was in college, when I heard Christopher Hogwood's interpretation of Bach's most famous concertos (1983 release, still in print). I had heard other versions since that time, but Hogwood's has always remained my favorite . . . until Sony released this 2-disc set featuring the Canadian ensemble Tafelmusik under the direction of Jeanne Lamon.

Simpy put, these two discs are great. Tafelmusik's performance is impeccable, fluid, and always graceful. I still enjoy Hogwood's version (even though the microphones tended to pick up the strings rattling on certain instruments throughout the entire recording). But there are no such distractions on the Sony release. The sound quality, like Tafelmusik's performance, is great. Overall, as much as I still like Hogwood's recording, I believe this lastest Sony version is better.

As good as this set is, it's still pretty expensive (even for a 2-disc DDD set). Since this is probably Bach's most popular set of concertos, they've been recorded countless times. There must be at lest 15 ADD/DDD versions still in print, each one with its own group of supporters and detractors. I'm only familiar with the two under discussion here, so you'll need to refer to critiques or word-of-mouth to determine which ones match (or come close to matching) this particular Sony release.

Overall, this recording is a true gem. I was fortunate enough to come across it used, and immediately snapped it up. So if you don't mind paying full price for some wonderful music, go ahead and purchase this set. But keep in mind that there are also a number of different versions still in print, and at half the price they're worth considering as well.

I bought this music for my husband for Christmas. He has been wanting this particular recording for quite some time. He really likes that the music is played with period instruments. He thinks it's the best recording of the Brandenburg concertos he has heard. The sound is really great. Even our young children enjoy listening to it. It's a great collection of music to have in your home.

I can only endorse what Ted Libbey said about these Brandenburgs being like "water drawn from a cool, clear stream." There is a lucid, straightforward quality about them. Nothing is underlined nor italicized. These players manage to sound comfortable even at the faster speeds. They are recorded in the same vein: absolutely clean and vivid without being overly bright or abrasive.

These performances are incredible! Lamon and Tafelmusik make the concertos come to sparkling life without inadvertently reinventing them as rock n roll (which is what some other recent recordings of Bach and Vivaldi seem to do for the sake of "originality".) The recording is also excellent, holding up very well (for 16 bit cd) to close listening on audiophile gear. They deserve to be remastered with todays technology on say, a hybrid cd/sacd release; as the sonic improvements over the last few years are significant. HINT, HINT...

Bach certainly displays not only his pre-"Well Tempered Clavier" expertise here, but showcases such instrumental diversity among the soloists.

Lamon and Tafelmusik admirably and tastefully provide us with the works in a modest set (only $16 per disk, certainly not excessive) but well recorded, expertly performed on period instruments with an orchestra known for its baroque interpretations.

The overal tempo is sensible and allow subtleties of the work to shine, especially the 2nd, and 5th. Recorder, oboe and trumpet on 2nd are clear and resiliant, as well as wonderful harpsichord work on 5th, which would have charmed the master being innovative thrust of keyboard as virtuoso.

Well worth consideration as selection of this infamous work.

The Brandeburg Concertos no doubt rank among the most beautiful and glorious compositions ever written, and this refined and lyric recording does them justice. The authentic period instuments, coupled with the virtuosity of the orchestra, make for a presentation that would have indeed made "Old Bach" happy.

As the "professional" reviewer commented, these works are superbly realized here. You may listen to them again and again and keep picking up nuances. The best I've heard to date.