Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Bob Van Asperen :: Bach: Sonatas for Violin & Harpsichord, Vol. 2

A Solid Recording at a Great Price

07/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not at all qualified to give a detailed review about the nuances of baroque performance. All I can tell you is that I picked this CD up (as well as Vol. 1, Son. 1-4) because it was cheap and because I didn't have these sonatas in my collection - and I'm thoroughly satisfied with my purchase. The music is clear, crisp, lively, spirited, and I can hear no reason to think that these performances are not entirely in accord with the composer's intentions."

Never Underestimate Bonus Tracks

J. De Sapio | Washington, DC | 08/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On first sight this disc, the second volume of the complete violin/harpsichord sonatas by Bach, seemed like a bit of a gyp: two complete sonatas plus a few "makeweight" tracks in the form of "alternate movements" to the G major sonata. (The first volume had four full sonatas.) But as it turns out, the extra tracks are absolute gems that should be heard more often: an adagio on a chromatic ground bass, a dance movement in G minor, and a CANTABILE, MA POCO ADAGIO of ineffable melodic grace. As on the first disc, we are treated to performances on baroque instruments in which both of the melodic strands (the violin and the right hand of the harpsichord) are clearly projected. Warmly played and having a warm, resonant acoustic, these performances convey the joy, beauty, and grace of some of Bach's most wonderful chamber pieces."