Customer Reviews

J.S. Bach: Sonatas for Flute and Fortepiano, Partita for Solo Flute

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

 

 

Susan Rotholz and Kenneth Cooper present a unique recording of Bach's flute sonatas, using a fortepiano for accompaniment. The fortepiano is the earliest form of piano, and Bach is believed to have at least played one if not actually owned one himself. The sound of this instrument is much more restrained than a modern piano, but is indeed a piano, being hammered as opposed to being plucked like a harpsichord.

When Cooper gets a chance to play a few measures alone, the result is brilliant. The opening of the Sciliano in sonata BWV 1031, and the solo sections later in this movement, are bubbling over with energy. Unfortunately, the tone of the flute and the recording itself tend to drown out the fortepiano. The flute is too present and overpowers the fortepiano when they are playing together.

The liner notes speak of "perhaps a new approach to historically informed music-making", but this is only halfway true. While the choice of the fortepiano is indeed interested - and certainly more justified than using a modern piano - the use of a modern flute gives this recording a sound that just doesn't work. With a wooden flute, the sound would have been so much cozier, so much warmer. But the cold sound of a metal flute with the rich fortepiano just doesn't work.

This seems a bit better in the B minor sonata, BWV 1030, where the flute, at least in the opening movement, is more hesitant, more interested in playing with the fortepiano, not against it and over it. For that is the real problem with this disc - it does not sound like the two instruments are truly playing together. They seem at odds with each other, rather than being part of the same music. But the closing movement of the same sonata is where the music suddenly works - the rhythm is right, the energy present, and the two instruments finally sound like they are working together. Cooper's brilliant dynamics, coupled with some excellent phrasing by Rotholz, make this movement a joy. A pity the rest of the set does not have this energy.

This is an interesting experiment, and I would love to hear Kenneth Cooper play some more Bach on this lovely instrument (there is no mention of its pedigree). While there are some excellent moments in this set, the overall impression is not very compelling.

I highly recommend this recording for a few reasons. #1 both Cooper and Rotholz are masters of their instruments, playing beautifully, with nuance and energy. #2, this is not your "standard" rendition of the Bach Flute Sonatas. The artists have taken a chance and performed these works with a fresh interpretation and it is not only interesting, but quite convincing and beautiful. #3, it is great to hear new interpretations. Many times artists will perform works with new ideas, but it is rare to hear them record that way because musicians are often afraid to venture far from the printed page! But in Bach's time, they would have ornamented freely!
A fine album,, Susan Rotholz is a beautiful flutist and Kennth Cooper is one of the finest Keyboardists alive today. Don't miss this unique recording.

This is an outstanding performance by flutist Susan Rothholz of Bach's Sonatas. The interpretation is unique, the performance is flawless. Highly recommended.

The Partita for Solo Flute, as played by Susan Rotholz, still resonates after so many hearings. It is played with subdued power and mastery and casts a haunting spell that reminds us why Bach, as no other composer, goes straight from the instrument to the soul... and stays there!

I primarily bought this recording as an interpretive aid (I was specifically interested in the Partita). I am completely against the manner in which Bach is played on this CD. I find it to be an aggressive sort of steamroller interpretation. A big time romanticization. The piano has an odd, almost honkytonk quality to it. If you think that Baroque music should be played in a modern fashion when performed on modern instruments, then go ahead and buy this. Oi!