Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin :: Bach Edition - La Musique d'Orchestre

Period Pieces from the East

Scott D. Harris | Chattanooga, TN | 06/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Academy of Ancient Music hails from the former East Germany and, according to the liner notes, has been giving performanes since 1981. As these discs reveal, they are clearly a group that has evolved into a fine historical performance ensemble. This set of Brandenburg concertos carries many of the hallmarks of period performance, though without some of the drawbacks. String tone throughout the set varies, and though it is never the wiry, brittle sound we used to hear, it also doesn't always approach the warmth of modern instruments. Best of all are the contributions of the horns and trumpets, which provide a really distinctive sound that is immediately evident in the first movement of the 1st Concerto. Tempi throughout are somewhat fast, but not inflexible, generally lively and engaging. If I had to pick one performance that is the real standout, I'd have to vote for Concerto No. 6, which is a great performance in almost every respect and in many other sets the one concerto that often fails to come off well. The violas de gamba are captured perfectly in this recording. The orchestral suites fair just as well and the opening tympani flourishes in No. 4 once again delineates the distinctiveness of these performances. The recording quality in the suites is on the demonstration level. Overall, a set well-worth the money, and with the concertos and suites now in one package, it is even greater deal.Recording Venue: Berlin, Christus-Kirche, 1995 (Concertos); 1997 (Suites)."