Bach: Reconstructed Concertos

On this CD:

1. Concerto for 3 harpsichords & strings in C major (or for 3 violins in D major), BWV 1064
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Bernhard Forck, Rainer Kussmaul

2. Harpsichord Concerto No. 5 in F minor (or for oboe or violin in G minor) BWV 1056
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Rainer Kussmaul

3. Work(s) Viola Concerto in D major (reconstructed from BWV 169, 49 & 1053): 1, Allegro
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Wolfram Christ

4. Work(s) Viola Concerto in D major (reconstructed from BWV 169, 49 & 1053): 2, Siciliano
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Wolfram Christ

5. Work(s) Viola Concerto in D major (reconstructed from BWV 169, 49 & 1053): 3, Allegro
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Wolfram Christ

6. Concerto for 2 harpsichords & strings in C minor (or for oboe & violin in D minor), BWV 1060
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Rainer Kussmaul, Albrecht Mayer

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In A Minor BWV 1041: I. Allegro
Violin Concerto In A Minor BWV 1041: II. Andante
Violin Concerto In A Minor BWV 1041: III. Allegro assai
Violin Concerto In E Major BWV 1042: I. Allegro
Violin Concerto In E Major BWV 1042: II. Adagio
Violin Concerto In E Major BWV 1042: III. Allegro assai
Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor BWV 1043: I. Vivace - Alison Bury
Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor BWV 1043: II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Alison Bury
Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor BWV 1043: III. Allegro - Alison Bury
Concerto For Three Violins In D Major BWV 1064: I. Allegro - Catherine Mackintosh
Concerto For Three Violins In D Major BWV 1064: II. Adagio - Catherine Mackintosh
Concerto For Three Violins In D Major BWV 1064: III. Allegro - Catherine Mackintosh

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In G Minor BWV 1056: I. (-)
Violin Concerto In G Minor BWV 1056: II. Largo
Violin Concerto In G Minor BWV 1056: III. Presto
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In C Minor BWV 1060: I. Allegro - Anthony Robson
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In C Minor BWV 1060: II. Adagio - Anthony Robson
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In C Minor BWV 1060: III. Allegro - Anthony Robson
Violin Concerto In D Minor BWV 1052: I. (-)
Violin Concerto In D Minor BWV 1052: II. Adagio
Violin Concerto In D Minor BWV 1052: II. Allegro
Concerto For Flute, Violin And Harpsichord In A Minor BWV 1044: I. Allegro - Lisa Beznosiuk
Concerto For Flute, Violin And Harpsichord In A Minor BWV 1044: II. Adagio - Lisa Beznosiuk
Concerto For Flute, Violin And Harpsichord In A Minor BWV 1044: III. Allabreve - Lisa Beznosiuk

Customer Reviews:

good incisive sensitive period performances, excellent sound.......2006-03-14

I am both a modern- and a period- instrument fan in baroque music. I haven't found a truly great period performance of these works, but this is pretty close!

Admittedly my early experience of these works was formed by the great Arthur Grumiaux' modern instrument versions, not with the ( to my ears over-romantic ) Solistes Romandes, but an earlier (I think) more incisive performance with the English Chamber Orchestra, very hard to track down, which is wonderful.

However, these performances come close, are beautifully and idiomatically played, the double-stopping passagework towards the end of the finale of the A minor concerto being suitably thrilling, and appropriate fast but not silly-fast tempos chosen, that work well with this orchestra.

The reviewer who criticised the pitch fails to realise that musical documentation of 18th century Europe suggests that they played to a lower pitch then than they do today (and even this may have varied regionally!). If she wants to play along, may I suggest she retunes her instrument down a semitone - and then play in the key Bach likely expected it to be played in, and that which this period instrument orchestra have attempted to reproduce.

A correction.......2006-02-05

A couple reviews below addressed a "problem" with the pitch of the A minor concerto. For those of you reading this who aren't familiar with the period instrument movement, one of the features of period performance is a "reduction" of pitch from A440 to A415. It actually isn't a reduction, persay, because instruments of the baroque period played at this pitch, so in replicating the period style, this performance does as well. To a modern ear who is unfamiliar with this, the pitch does sound exactly a half step lower, so the A minor concerto does sound like an A-flat minor concerto, if your A is 440. The lower pitch, in my opinion, does not reduce the drama or the lyricism one bit, and the different timbre is at times intoxicating with the overflow of sound that can be projected, especially from these superb musicians. I will leave other specifics to other reviewers; I just wanted to point out the pitch issue.

excellent.......2006-01-12

In regards to previous review, what rubbish! as if you judge a recording by perfect pitch! Who buys a cd by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment to play along! Wonderful CD, one of the best versions of the double concerto in a moll i've heard.

DO NOT BUY.......2005-11-30

Do not buy this item !
If you think you might like to play along with this CD,
OR if you have perfect pitch, this CD will blow your mind. Although Bach wrote his concerto in A minor,
this CD manages to reproduce it in A flat minor !!!!!!!!!

Bach: Violin Concertos.......2005-09-13

I haven't had the chance to listen yet to this cd, but Amazon, for some reason, notified me via e-mail that they wanted me to review this cd. Just thought I'd let you know that.

JS Bach: Violin Concertos - Fabrio Biondi/Europa Galante

Average customer rating:

A Bach and Biondi Favorite
Unusual Bach
Ahhh, Bach!

JS Bach: Violin Concertos - Fabrio Biondi/Europa Galante
Alfredo Bernardini , Sergio Ciomei , Johann Sebastian Bach , Fabio Biondi , and Europa Galante
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (La Tempesta di Mare)
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Italian Violin Sonatas: Fabio Biondi/Europa Galante
Vivaldi: Concerti per mandolini
Vivaldi - Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione / Europa Galante, Biondi

ASIN: B000026D4Q
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Tracks:

I Allegro
II Adagio
III Allegro
I (Allegro)
II Largo
III Presto
I (Allegro)
II Adagio
III Allegro
I (Allegro)
II Adagio E Piano Sempre
III Allegro

Amazon.com

Bach, like most Baroque composers, regularly adapted music that he had written previously for one context to be reused in another. For example, he adapted various movements from his cantatas for the Mass in B Minor; he reworked several of his trio sonatas for viola da gamba and keyboard; and he transcribed his Violin Concerto in E Major for harpsichord and strings. It has long been presumed that most of Bach's harpsichord concertos were composed originally for other solo instruments; latter-day musicians have back transcribed, as it were, a number of those concertos. Several of these transcriptions, along with the harpsichord version of the E Major violin concerto, get delightful performances on this release from charismatic violinist Fabio Biondi and his period-instrument ensemble Europa Galante. The transcriptions of the G Minor and D Minor harpsichord concertos seem quite credible; the transcription for violin and oboe of the C Minor Concerto for two harpsichords is even better, the soloists' lines being much clearer than is the case with two harpsichords tinkling away at each other. Biondi plays with more vibrato and more legato--in a more "Romantic" style, one might say--than most Baroque violinists; in some of the slow movements, he sounds almost like... well, if not Isaac Stern, then perhaps the young Yehudi Menuhin. It's as if he's the period-instrument violinist for those who never got used to the sound of period instruments. Yet Biondi plays with imagination and charisma, and Europa Galante (which does make a period-instrument sound) plays with the sparkling energy that seems to be the trademark of Italy's best Baroque groups. The recorded sound, unfortunately, is a bit flat and constricted; while this is a real shortcoming, it's not so serious as to prevent a warm recommendation for the excellent performances. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

A Bach and Biondi Favorite.......2005-11-11

If you are looking for Bach's "original violin concertos" (BWV 1041-1043), these are not them. What is on this CD are concertos "reconstructed" from some of Bach's later harpsichord concertos. Behind this reconstruction is the presumption that Bach's keyboard concertos were all transcribed from earlier violin concertos (a common practice of that era). But, for the concertos featured on this disc, there are no surviving original violin concertos - hence the need to work backwards and "reconstruct" the assumed violin part. Such a change of soloist instrumentation brings one advantage: the violin's supreme, vocal expressivity over the leyboard, particularly in the slower, aria-like movements. So, with this role-reversal, the violinist in the driver's seat - which, in the case of period-virtuoso Fabio Biondi - sets the stage for something promising to come.

One might expect upon seeing Fabio Biondi as lead violin, music full of high drama and adrenaline like his Vivaldi recordings. But, while some of that energy is here in the allegros, the music overall here has a more elgant, richly melodic and even sometimes contemplative mood to it that is most fitting to the period and composer. Most notable is Biondi's characteristic equiste shaping of the music, with a joyful and sensuous tone that make for an attractive listening experience. Few can match his gorgeous and expressive "singing style" which finds a perfect match in the slow, aria-esque movements. The adagios and largos are taken at just the right pace and are truly beautiful to behold (the G minor largo can sing you to sleep). And no work is more melodically-alluring than the Concerto for Violin and Oboe which features a most gentle and soaring dialog between the two lyrical soloists in the Adagio. Fabio Biondi's sweet, honeyed tones like this can truly spoil one and change your conceptions of "period instruments." Equally, Biondi's wonderfully articulated bowing in the D minor Allegro solo is equisite and compelling, creating an ethereal tremolo effect that is mesmerizing. The spirited allegros have just the right amount of verve and pace without forgetting this is Bach and not Vivaldi. The harpsichord concerto BWV 1054 is also quite satisfying, having a perfectly judged tempo and an upbeat - yet relaxed - feel to it that makes it a frequent favorite.

The Europa Galante are an equal star in the set and sound marvelous with their smaller Baroque orchestra that brings a more intimate, chamber-like feel to the music. I really liked this aspect as likely will others who prefer chamber-music dynamics over full symphonies. Overall, there is a nobility and poise in their playing here that is not rushed, but yet communicates depth and passion. It is most refreshing music. Last, I found the sound quality to be full, clear, balanced - one of the better ones I have from Veritas - so I cannot agree with the lead review citing a deficiency. In short, this is a fairly unique approach and recording of some Bach Concertos full of stylish yet refined playing in a smaller chamber-like setting. I have a lot of CD's of Bach by many groups and many from the Europa Galante, but this one became a surprize favorite. Five stars.

Unusual Bach.......2002-01-12

I don't think I've ever heard Bach played like this. Biondi & Europa Galante are fascinating to listen to and what they've done with these concertos is quite appealing. I have to admit I was horrified the first time I listened to them but now I find I like them better than other renditions I've heard

Ahhh, Bach!.......2000-03-18

I am forever hooked on Bach after listening to this CD. It's beautiful. It is well worth the money, and will always be a favorite.

Bach: Violin Concertos, etc / Perlman, Still, Israel PO

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Bach: Violin Concertos, etc / Perlman, Still, Israel PO

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002RMY
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Vn Con in d, BWV 1052: I. Allegro
Vn Con in d, BWV 1052: II. Adagio
Vn Con in d, BWV 1052: III. Allegro
Con for Vn & Ob in c, BWV 1060: I. Allegro
Con for Vn & Ob in c, BWV 1060: II. Adagio
Con for Vn & Ob in c, BWV 1060: III. Allegro
Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: I.
Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: II. Largo
Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: III. Allegro

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Period instrument feminism?

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

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Bach: Cantatas & Masses

ASIN: B0000AKP8N
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 In F
Concerto No. 1 In F - Adagio
Concerto No. 1 In F - Allegro
Concerto No. 1 In F - Menuetto Trio I -- Polacca Trio II
Concerto No. 2 In F
Concerto No. 2 In F - Andante
Concerto No. 2 In F - Allegro Assai
Concerto No. 3 in G
Concerto No. 3 in G - Adagio - Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto No. 4 In G - Allegro
Concerto No. 4 In G - Andante
Concerto No. 4 In G - Presto
Concerto No. 5 In D - Allegro
Concerto No. 5 In D - Affettuoso
Concerto No. 5 In D - Allegro
Concerto No. 6 In B flat
Concerto No. 6 In B flat - Adagio Ma Non Tanto
Concerto No. 6 In B flat - Allegro

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In a - [Allegro]
Violin Concerto In a - Andante
Violin Concerto In a - Allegro Assai
Violin Concerto In E - Allegro
Violin Concerto In E - Adagio
Violin Concerto In E - Allegro Assai
Concerto For Two Violins In d - Vivace
Concerto For Two Violins - Largo Ma Non Tanto
Concerto For Two Violins In d - Allegro
Concerto For 3 Violins In D - Allegro
Concerto For 3 Violins In D - Adagio
Concerto For 3 Violins In D - Allegro

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In g
Violin Concerto In g - Largo
Violin Concerto in g - Presto
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In c - Allegro
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In c - Adagio
Concerto For Violin And Oboe In c - Allegro
Violin Concerto In d
Violin Concerto In d - Adagio
Violin Concerto In d - Allegro
Concerto For Flute, Violin and Harpsichord in a - Allegro
Concerto For Flute, Violin and Harpsichord in a - Adagio, Ma Non Troppo, E Dolce
Concerto For Flute, Violin and Harpsichord in a - Allabreve

Customer Reviews:

Period instrument feminism?.......2005-08-12

All the concertos contained on these four CDs are directed by women: Monica Huggett, Elizabeth Wallfisch, Alison Bury, Catherine Mackintosh. Having found the time to sit down and listen to the whole set really carefully, what I heard pleased me, on the whole, very much indeed, with only the fourth Brandenburg Concerto seeming a little "weak-kneed". The Brandenburg Concertos here cannot, perhaps, quite compete with Trevor Pinnock's legendary recording for Deutsche Grammophon Archiv, but the female directors have all obviously taken a good deal of trouble over the individual concerti and I was able to hear a good deal of detail, some of which I had not noticed on other recordings (and I own six or seven "Brandenburgs"). The playing is really excellent, the soloists are all quite remarkable for their competence and skill. Just listen to Catherine Mackintosh on the violino piccolo in the first Brandenburg Concerto, for example, or to the oboe, trumpet and harpsichord solos in some of the other concertos - this is all wonderful stuff!

The additional two CDs in the box contain Bach's Violin Concertos, the Triple Concerto BWV 144 and four reconstructed violin concertos (one with an additional oboe solo part), all played and directed from the violin by female Australian period-instrument specialist Elizabeth Wallfisch. I must say that here, too, I enjoyed the performances very much, although in the end I felt that BWV 1044 was rather weaker than on competing recordings by La Stravaganza Hamburg/Siegbert Rampe (Virgin Veritas) or by Le Concert francais/Pierre Hantai (Naive-Astrée). Of course, the reconstructed concertos are speculative, but it is quite fascinating to hear them in these versions instead of the much better-known harpsichord versions.

The documentation corresponds to the price and is kept to an absolute minimum.

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Back to the original violin versions

Reconstructed Violin Concertos

Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004WFGO
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Tracks:

Sinfonia
1. Allegro
2. Adagio
3. Allegro
1. (Allegro)
2. Largo
3. Presto
1. (Allegro) - Christoph Poppen
2. Adagio - Christoph Poppen
3. Allegro - Christoph Poppen

Customer Reviews:

Back to the original violin versions.......2001-12-24

Bach only has three official violin concertos, one of which is a double. However, current thinking is that most or even all of his harpsichord concertos were originally written for violin and then converted. We only have these concertos because Bach reused his efforts. This CD is an example of such conversions or reconstructions. The musicians are Isabelle Faust, Muriel Cantoreggi, Christoph Poppen, and Bach-Collegium Stuttgart. Faust is a highly regarded violinist. She won the International Leopold Mozart Competition of Augsburg (Leopold Mozart's hometown) in 1987 and was the youngest contestant. In 1993, she won the Paganini Competition of Genoa, and was the first German violinist to win it. But back to the CD. The sound is clear, the playing is superb, and the CD was recorded in 2000. The booklet is written in four languages - German, English, French, & Spanish - and includes copious notes on Bach reconstructions in general.

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Bach: Reconstructed Concertos

Manufacturer: Koch Schwann (Germ.)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005USER
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

Concerto In D Major For 3 Violins, Strings And B.C.: Allegro
Concerto In D Major For 3 Violins, Strings And B.C.: Adagio
Concerto In D Major For 3 Violins, Strings And B.C.: Allegro
Concerto In G Minor For Violin, Strings And B.C.: (Ohne Satzbea.)
Concerto In G Minor For Violin, Strings And B.C.: Largo
Concerto In G Minor For Violin, Strings And B.C.: Presto
Concerto In D Major For Viola, Strings And B.C.: Allegro
Concerto In D Major For Viola, Strings And B.C.: Siciliano
Concerto In D Major For Viola, Strings And B.C.: Allegro
Concerto In C Minor For Oboe, Violin, Strings And B.C.: Allegro
Concerto In C Minor For Oboe, Violin, Strings And B.C.: Adagio
Concerto In C Minor For Oboe, Violin, Strings And B.C.: Allegro

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An Unexpected Delight

Bach: Solo Concertos

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00002DFMW
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Customer Reviews:

An Unexpected Delight.......2006-02-22

I was surprised to find this incredibly inexpensive 2-CD set of Bach concerti marvelously performed by the Neues Bachisches Collegium Musicum Leipzig. It may duplicate pieces you own but the performances are thoughtful and a delight to hear. The sound is also really good. There are 95 minutes of music on the two all-digital discs - six concerti. I enjoy Bach instrumental works as much as any classical music. It has been a pleasure to find great sets of the Brandenburg Concerti (Paillard's from decades ago on RCA LP's and the recent 2-CD set from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center) and the orchestral suites (Ristenpart's on LP and Pearlman's on SACD). This a great bargain and the performances by an ensemble from Bach's home town of Leipzig are befitting. I intend to look for other recordings of Bach in this series.