Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Kapp :: Bach: Sonatas for violin and piano

A Great Recording, Simply Lovely

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This two-CD set is actually part of an ambitious undertaking: ESS.A.Y Recordings recorded these sonatas in two different versions, this one featuring Ms. Tenenbaum on a modern violin and accompanied by a modern piano played by Richard Kapp; the other recording (reviewed below) features Ms. Tenenbaum playing an older violin and accompanied by a harpsichord played by Gerald Ranck. My sample of the piano recording came with an enclosed coupon allowing the purchaser to order a copy of the harpsichord set for the bargain price of $8.



As for this piano/violin recording, all I can say is that this is a simply lovely recording. Ms. Tenenbaum and Mr. Kapp really seem to have an appreciation for the beauty of Bach's music. This is not mechanical playing--it is thoughtful and expressive, revealing the lyricism of the music. Even though I found the performances so expressive and communicative, never did I feel as though the musicians were overdoing the interpretive side of things. The emotion that came through in their playing seemed both heartfelt and respectful.



The end result is, as I said above, lovely. This is a wonderful recording that should appeal to all fans of Bach--indeed, all lovers of music--and the sound quality is excellent."