Customer Reviews

J.C. Bach: Woodwind Concertos, Vol. 1

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The sound quality on this digital recording is excellent and very clear. The performances have a wonderful elegance and refinement, with a joyful liveliness and love of music-making in the fast movements and a soothing beauty in the slow movements. Anthony Halstead and The Hanover Band are among the finest and most respected conductors and orchestras in the period instrument movement. Although the length of the CD is a bit short, at 48:42, it is still a very worthwhile purchase.

These are three lyrical and graceful concertos, written in the transitional style between Baroque and Classical that is sometimes called "Style galant" or "Roccoco". In listening to these performances, one can hear the influence of J.C. Bach on early Haydn and Mozart. In listening to this exellent CD, it is also clear why, although he has not attained the stature of his father, J.S. Bach, or of Haydn or Mozart, J.C. Bach is nevertheless justly recognized in his own right as one of the most talented composers of the 18th century.

The CD insert is also first-rate, with interesting and informative essays in English, German, and French on each of the 3 concertos, as well as background information on Anthony Halstead and The Hanover Band. I thoroughly agree with the statement of a reviewer of Volume Two of this set of performances that this music is a "hidden treasure." Highly recommended, together with Volume Two of J.C. Bach's Woodwind Concertos.

JC Bach certainly contributed signifantly to his namesakes' gifts to music, here exhibited by three wind concertos.

The Oboe Concerto Halsead believes was one of Bach's favorites and the magnificent Minuet formed basis for the subsequent Flute Concerto. It was discovered in the estate of Furall, an oboist.

What strikes one is the influence these had on Mozart who admired this Bach greatly.

Excellent playing and recording.