Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Calefax Reed Quintet :: Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge

Great Colors and Style

Michael Stephenson | Greenville, NC | 07/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Calefax Reed Quintet have recorded one of the most unusual recordings of Die Kunst der Fuge that I have heard. With an instrumentation of oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet (basset horn), saxophone (mostly soprano), and bassoon; this recording truly captures the many possible colors and styles that is in Die Kunst der Fuge. What is truly impressive is the way that the saxophone makes the all reed ensemble blend as one. It is obvious that all of the musicians on this CD have studied baroque style, and bring a wonderful life to this music."

Musical, colorful, delicious

Biberfan | Virginia, USA | 09/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Calefax has made a beautiful recording here of Bach's Art of Fugue. It doesn't matter that Bach didn't specify which instruments to be used, they take to it like it's perfectly natural. The playing is all very tastefully done with modern instruments, but in a style that doesn't oppose baroque practice. The recording is clear and affective.



What I like best is the sound of breath that goes into each line. The instruments are obviously different (bass clarinet is different from oboe), but the blend is so well done. In turn, each line gets its own distinct color, but the combination sounds like it comes from one well-oiled instrument. The nature of woodwind instruments gives this reading a very human quality. It's the expertise of the individual members that takes the quality to the highest level.



They include Bach's so-called "Deathbed Chorale" which I like, and is well-read here, too.



This CD, incidentally, can show off what good speakers or good headphones can do. This 5-star recording combines exquisite musicality, a colorful presentation, and delicious sound."