Search - Gustav Leonhardt :: J. S. Bach: Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Bwv 1052 & C.P.E. Bach: Concerto In D Minor, Wq. 23

Gustav Leonhardt and the Bachs, father and son

Peter G. Watchorn | Cambridge, MA USA | 11/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are the second recordings which Gustav Leonhardt made of these two d minor concertos by J.S. Bach and his second son, C.P.E. The first were made in the early 1960s with Collegium Aureum and issued separately, coupled with other works (at modern pitch). When Telefunken compiled Leonhardt's recordings of the Bach harpsichord concertos into a set in the late 1960's, the only work not included was the great d minor, BWV 1052. Leonhardt had already recorded this for BASF, and Telefunken instead utilised a very fine performance by Herbert Tachezi and Concentus Musicus Wien to complete the set. It was inevitable, though, that Leonhardt would re-record the works for Wolf Erichson's SEON label, and these performances represent the Dutch master and his string playing colleagues at their very best. Tempos are moderate, rhythms sturdy yet flexible, and Leonhardt's sense of colour and fine articulation combine with his strong overall direction to guarantee a wonderful pair of performances, very well recorded. The harpsichord used is a "Paris" Dowd from 1975 (after Blanchet) and it comes across very well indeed. The two d minor concertos by the Bachs, father and son combine to produce a perfect cd pairing. This record created a sensation when it first appeared, and the performances have lost none of their magic and power over the years. They have never been bettered. Strongly recommended to those who like Bach performed with imagination and fire by some of the finest seminal musicians of our day."

Great disc!

Johnny Bard | Orlando, FL | 02/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just bought this disc last year, and I can't believe it's already out-of-print! It's a great recording. The Seon label dates back to the 1970's. Sony has recently reissued the Seon recordings. The remastering is so good you'd never believe they were originally analog recordings. This ADD release is wonderful. The sound quality is fantastic, and the performances outstanding. I like the way C.P.E. Bach's concerto has been placed on the same disc with this father's; you can compare the two, and see where the father influenced the son (as well as hear how C.P.E. was influenced by Mozart, Hadyn, etc.). Harpsichord and orchestra blend together in each concerto to form a cohesive whole. Sometimes the harpsichord tends to dominate a recording, but never here. If you can still find this disc, I strongly encourge you to buy it. It's nicely priced, and features some excellent keyboarding."

Wonderful bach recording

Ludovic Dulauroy | Paris, France | 02/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is really one of my best CD. I have especially enjoyed the playing of G. Leonhardt which is dynamic, with an incredible master (virtuosity) and sense of harmony. This CD offers an rare energy and is in the same time deep, as any of Bach. I recommend it to anyone who wants to discover Harpsichord, which is not at all a weak instrument. With its small price, it is an essential CD (this concerto is not included in G Leonhardt edition)."