Bach: Suite No. 1 in C; Suite No. 2 in B minor; Sinfonia to Cantata BWV 1066; Sinfonia to Cantata 1067; Suite No. 3 in D; Suite No. 4 in D; Concerto movement BWV 1045; Sinfonia to Cantata No. 29

This reissue presents Bach's four Orchestral Suites interspersed with sinfonias from three of his cantatas and a concerto movement, possibly the prelude to a now lost cantata. The Brandenburg Consort, an ensemble specialising in Baroque music played on period instruments, produces a delightfully light and transparent sound, and their interpretation brings out the effervescent, dance-like style of these Suites. The main drawback to the performance - and for me it is a serious one - is the frenetic tempo Goodman sets for many of the movements.

Our rating

3

Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:46 pm

COMPOSERS: Bach
LABELS: Hyperion
WORKS: Suite No. 1 in C; Suite No. 2 in B minor; Sinfonia to Cantata BWV 1066; Sinfonia to Cantata 1067; Suite No. 3 in D; Suite No. 4 in D; Concerto movement BWV 1045; Sinfonia to Cantata No. 29
PERFORMER: Pavlo Beznosiuk (violin)Brandenburg Consort/Roy Goodman
CATALOGUE NO: CDA 66701/2 DDD

This reissue presents Bach's four Orchestral Suites interspersed with sinfonias from three of his cantatas and a concerto movement, possibly the prelude to a now lost cantata. The Brandenburg Consort, an ensemble specialising in Baroque music played on period instruments, produces a delightfully light and transparent sound, and their interpretation brings out the effervescent, dance-like style of these Suites. The main drawback to the performance - and for me it is a serious one - is the frenetic tempo Goodman sets for many of the movements. A pity, because when he does relax the speed and let the music breathe, the result is far more ingratiating. This is light-spirited music-making, but recommended only for those who will not object to an often breathless pace. Kate Bolton

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