Ahh, Bach.
Ogilvy | 08/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I mean it. This isn't some look-ma-no-hands-Bach-on-a-uke novelty recording. It's the real deal, the ne plus ultra, an Everest of an accomplishment. As a musical interpreter John King is top-flight; as a technician on his chosen instrument, he is without peer. And this is pure Bach. Pure and simple. One man, one ukulele, one great recording.
When King plays, the Prelude to the First Cello Suite is a tightly wound spring that uncoils from beginning to end in one long, sinuous line. Flawlessly. The Gigue from the same suite is a toe-tapping terpsichorean treat. The Gavotte en Rondeau from the Violin Partita No. 3 has a freshness, as though King were improvising it with divine inspiration. This is an ukulele? None like I've ever heard. Possibly the ultimate musical oxymoron: the whimsical ukulele expressing Bachian profundities. Without a doubt, the Master would approve."
Wonderful music
John T. O'Connor | Ohio | 10/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As the other reviewer said, this is the real thing. A fine musician playing wonderful music. Yes, it's being played on a ukulele, but that's secondary. Mr King is a wonderful interpreter of Bach. Period. Now to deal with the ukulele. After hearing these cello concertos on a cello (amazing huh?), it is a treat to hear them on a ukulele. Instead of the deep rumblings with a bow, you hear clear bell like tones. Mr King also used the Campanella style, which brings the wonderful clear and precise tone of the ukulele out even more. If you love the music of Bach, please buy this CD. This is a great CD, and I hope that Mr King will eventually turn his attention to some of the wonderful preBaroque musicians as well. Byrd would be wonderful played on a ukulele this way."
Classic ukulele
Richard Harmon | Alabama | 05/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A beautiful album by a master musician, carefully chosen music played superbly and recorded with great care."