Bach Violin Concertos
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Johann Sebastian Bach
Label: Archiv Produktion
Magazine Review Date: 8/1984
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 46
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 410 646-2AH
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Concerto for Violin and Strings |
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
(The) English Concert Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer Simon Standage, Violin Trevor Pinnock, Conductor |
Concerto for 2 Violins and Strings |
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
(The) English Concert Elizabeth Wilcock, Violin Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer Simon Standage, Violin Trevor Pinnock, Conductor |
Author: Nicholas Anderson
In his review of the LP version, RF concluded by saying that he found it difficult to choose between Simon Standage's performances and those of Jaap Schroder on Oiseau-Lyre. I, too, am now encountering a similar problem. Clear though the digital sound was on the Archiv Produktion LP it was not, perhaps, one of their best; the CD offers even greater clarity which benefits the harpsichord, in particular, but gives a marginally better perspective all round. Like RF I found some fast movements a little too fast for comfort; but I also found the slow movement of the A minor Concerto too slow in spite of Standage's tender and expressive playing. I confess that I have developed a liking for this haunting Andante at a brisker more dance-related tempo. Schroder favours a faster tempo for this movement but offers a less expressive performance with less dependable intonation and less control.
The Oiseau-Lyre CD has more resonance than the Archiv Produktion but is more restrained in the bass than the somewhat larger-than-life bass response of its rival. On balance, the Oiseau-Lyre CD sound is to be preferred; but sound is not everything and in respect of solo playing I derived more pleasure from Standage. Both soloists are well matched in the double concerto.'
The Oiseau-Lyre CD has more resonance than the Archiv Produktion but is more restrained in the bass than the somewhat larger-than-life bass response of its rival. On balance, the Oiseau-Lyre CD sound is to be preferred; but sound is not everything and in respect of solo playing I derived more pleasure from Standage. Both soloists are well matched in the double concerto.'
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