Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien :: Bach: Violin Concertos

Good, but far from great

Popescu Lucian | Bucharest, Romania | 01/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is part of a broader historical release and at that time it was breaking grounds in ways of performing World's greatest composer, J.S. Bach. Concertus Musicus Wien was among the first orchestras to perform (successfully) with original baroque instruments or reconstructions of those. The following review will discuss all of TELDEC's violin concerti 1041-1043 and reconstructed 1052, 1055, 1056, 1060 and 1064, not only the selection provided by this disk.BWV1041-1043
However, especially in the violin concertos 1041-1043, influences of old school interpretation are annoyingly apparent. Tempi are too slow and Alice Harnoncourt is less than an extraordinary violonist. Another impediment was Harnoncourt's obsession for syncopated playing (staccato), based on his correct (or not) assumptions about Baroque music. However, I preffer Harnoncourt's reading to much of the modern lightning-speed recordings of HIP school (eg. Manze/Podger).BWV1052 (violin)
Harpsichord Concerto in D Minor BWV 1052 was originally written for violin and then transcribed by Bach for harpsichord. Unfortunately, the violin original text has not survived to present times but it has nevertheless triggered scholar's interest on how it might sounded like. Harnoncourt's reading is one of the handful, be that historically informed or uninformed performance. The playing is impecable. Alice Harnoncourt gives here the interpretation of hers lifetime. Sound is crisp, never too slow or too rapid. Orchestral support is outstanding. Five stars with no doubts in mind.BWV1055 (oboe)
Although not included into this collection, i will rate it because it's a reconstructed concerto as well. Another outstanding interpretation for this harpsichord piece, performed on oboe, by Jurg Schaefterlin. Same scarcity of similar recordings to compare with. Five stars again with no doubts in mind.BWV 1056 (violin)
This is the shame of the Harnoncourt's rather impressive approach on Bach. Not only orchestra sounds bland, absurdly brass-band syncopated, with uncontrolled tempi, but Alice Harnoncourt is very far here from making us believe she was elected to perform for a reason other than she was the wife of the conductor. Menuhin is better, Perlman is better, Biondi is better, although their approach is rather romantic than baroque.BWV1060 (oboe & violin)
There are two competing reconstructions of BWV 1060: for two violins (which I preffer) and for oboe & violin (which conductors seem to take as the most accurate). There are very few recordings to compare Harnoncourt's reading with, but his performance is bland and boring, similar to his violin concerti. I heard Pinnock's and should I remind you how MUCH better that is?BWV1064 (three violins)
An interpretation of Hogwood/Academy of Ancient Music. Very good but as far as I know there is no other historically informed performance of this piece to compare it with. Nevertheless, an outstanding reading. The basso continuo, as in all other reconstructed concerti is in part provided by Gustav Leonhardt himself."

Great

01/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since seeing the ballet Concerto Barocco I had the music stuck in my head. I found that it was to Bach's concerto for two violins in D minor. Every chance I get to listen to this music I take. It is so intricate and truly magnificent."