For his second Bach album Albrecht Mayer, principal oboist in the Berlin Philharmonic, has collaborated once again with arranger Andreas Tarkmann. They have fashioned a variety of movements from Bach cantatas into three new concertos, one each for oboe, cor anglais and oboe d’amore. The latter is based on the cantata “Non sa che sia dolore” – one of only two Italian text settings by Bach.

In a nod to authenticity Mayer directs the strings of the English Concert. The recording was made in 2009 in the Roman Baroque splendour of St Paul’s Church, Deptford. The balance favours the soloist and vocal layers. The orchestra sounds a little recessed at times. The use of a lute as the continuo instrument emphasises a sense of fragility.

The chorales, sung with precision and sweetness by Julian Podger’s vocal ensemble Trinity Voices are enhanced by Mayer’s stylistically sympathetic obbligato decorations. While not intended as free improvisations in the Jan Garbarek/Hilliard Ensemble mould, Mayer’s paraphrases add a certain filigree degree of respectability (even though, at times, his tone – particularly on the cor anglais – occasionally veers towards Kenny G!). Tucked away are slightly low-voltage and super-smooth renditions of “Wachet auf” and “Jesu, joy of man’s desiring”.

Purists might have reservations about such an undertaking. Without Bach’s original scores to hand it is difficult to establish where Tarkmann steps in. Having said that, this disc provides a pleasant listening experience. We can certainly relish Mayer’s exceptional technique, especially his circular breathing, and his musicianship.