Bach Italian Concerto

Tasteful and imaginative performances with an emphasis on expression rather than dazzle

Record and Artist Details

Composer or Director: Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre:

Instrumental

Label: Deux-Elles

Media Format: CD or Download

Media Runtime: 75

Mastering:

Stereo
DDD

Catalogue Number: DXL1017

Tracks:

Composition Artist Credit
(7) Toccatas, Movement: D, BWV912 Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Aria variata Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Prelude Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Prelude and Fughetta Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Anna Magdalena Notenbuch, Movement: Aria, BWV988 (Goldberg Variations) Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Concerto in the Italian style, 'Italian Concerto' Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Fantasia Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Johann Sebastian Bach, Composer
Terence Charlston, Harpsichord
Don’t be taken aback by so much rubato because it is legitimate. The treatises of Diruta‚ Quantz‚ Mattheson and Walther (Bach’s cousin) show that line­shaping‚ through the inflection of phrases‚ was considered important; and these writings have led musicologist Peter le Huray to believe that the result was ‘even more subtle and instinctive perhaps than Chopin’s much praised rhythmic flexibility’. Charlston puts this knowledge to discerning use. An example of his sensibility is the Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue where virtuoso pyrotechnics are eschewed. The malleable line of the Fantasia‚ the circumspect treatment of the chords (2'01" to 3'16") that Bach wanted arpeggiated according to the performer’s taste‚ both point to a thoughtful imagination that extends to a lucid exposé of the Fugue; and to an equally lucid exposé of the other major work‚ the Italian Concerto. There are surprises here too – like the moderately paced first movement‚ and a Presto finale that is no mere romp. Perhaps Charlston could have used his two­manual instrument (1998 copy of a 1624 Ruckers) to bring out the concerto­like contrasts more sharply; but the bass‚ notably in the slow movement‚ is strongly characterised so the tensions inherent in the harmonic progressions are clearly exposed. The sound is clean but confined‚ and the recorded level is too high. There is also one unexpected lapse – a rather mechanical performance of BWV 906. Otherwise‚ Charlston offers an outstanding recital. Of course‚ anything less from a professor at London’s Royal Academy of Music would have been most disappointing.

Discover the world's largest classical music catalogue with Presto Music. 

Stream on Presto Music | Buy from Presto Music

Gramophone Print

  • Print Edition

From £6.67 / month

Subscribe

Gramophone Digital Club

  • Digital Edition
  • Digital Archive
  • Reviews Database
  • Full website access

From £8.75 / month

Subscribe

                              

If you are a library, university or other organisation that would be interested in an institutional subscription to Gramophone please click here for further information.