Search - J.S. Bach, Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano :: Harpsichord Concertos

Here's a collection of almost frantically intense Bach harpsichord concertos--a form that the big guy himself invented. The Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052, is generally--and for good reason--regarded to be the finest single work of its time before Mozart. It's a grand, emotionally draining piece in three relentlessly grim movements. The other pieces on this disc are a little more relaxed, which is most welcome, since the performers really do push the music about as far as it will go in terms of energy and drive. When the others in this projected series become available, they will probably leap to the head of the line in the Bach Complete Harpsichord Concerto Sweepstakes. This first disc is already there. --David Hurwitz