Customer Reviews

J. C. Bach: Piano Concertos: Op. 7, 1-6 / Halstead, The Hanover Band

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Anthony Halstead opts for the minimal, proper, performance of these on a gorgeous period fortepiano accompanied by minimal solo strings (two violins + cello). I have two integral sets of Op. 7, plus probably 12 performances of Op.7 #5 (arguably J.C. Bach's most popular concerto), I have the scores and I've played them (the keyboard parts). I never thought I'd hear Op. 7 #5 performed so closely to my mind's ear's idea of perfection as I hear here. Halstead is principally a horn player and conductor (one of the very best in this literature), and his keyboard playing has been sneered at on occasion. The star of the Op. 7 is the soloist. Halstead is both spectacular and utterly artistic. Strongly recommended.

I have two versions of these concertos - these by Anthony Halstead and the Hanover Band, and the version performed by Ingrid Haebler. I also have the Opus 13 concertos by both, as well. While the overall performance of the Hanover Band is fine, the piano performance is sub-par, in my opinion. Halstead, as is noted in another review, is primarily a horn player and conductor. Why he did not get a high-caliber pianist to perform these concertos is hard to fathom. When compared to the Haebler recordings, these come up short. The music, on the other hand is wonderful. If you are not familiar with J.C. Bach, I urge you to get some of his recordings. If you like Mozart, you will definitely like J.C. Bach, and will probably hear why Mozart was heavily influenced by this fine composer.