Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Jonathan Rees, Scottish National Orchestra Wind Ensemble :: Bach: Violin Concertos

Splendid

David Saemann | 06/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am very fond of Bach on original instruments. I have period recordings of the violin concertos with Monica Huggett, Alice Harnoncourt, and Elisabeth Wallfisch, all of which I'm very fond of. Nevertheless, there still is a lot to be said about Bach on modern instruments, of which this CD is a sterling example. Joanthan Rees is one of those British violinists who play with ineffable style, in spite of the fact that they don't have major careers. Kenneth Sillito is another example. Rees plays beautifully, with a full, elegant sound and a wonderful sense of rhythm. His blend with Jane Murdoch in the Double Concerto is rich and full of incident, one of the best versions I've heard of this piece. And in the Violin and Oboe Concerto, Nicholas Daniel nearly steals the show with his beautiful tone. As for the Scottish Ensemble, they are an excellent chamber orchestra, playing with superlative ensemble and a beautiful chamber music feel for the music. Sound engineering is beautiful, too. There are a number a fine performances of the Violin Concertos on modern instruments, but this CD is a real sleeper."