COMPOSERS: JC Bach
LABELS: CPO
WORKS: Oboe Concerto No. 1 in F; Flute Concerto in D; Bassoon Concerto in E flat
PERFORMER: Anthony Robson (oboe), Rachel Brown (flute), Jeremy Ward (bassoon); Hanover Band/Anthony Halstead
CATALOGUE NO: 999 346-2
JC Bach’s woodwind concertos suggest his skill as an opera composer, with their lyrical solo lines subtly underscored by a transparent orchestral texture. As a horn player turned director, Anthony Halstead is clearly well aware of the importance of letting this music breathe, and the band sounds less hard driven than in some of its earlier recordings. At times, this approach is almost too relaxed, resulting in a slight lumpiness in the faster movements, and a loss of momentum in the Rondeaux of the Flute Concerto. But at least every detail is audible, and all three soloists cope well with the discreet virtuosity of their parts. It’s a pity that all of Bach’s handful of woodwind concertos couldn’t be squeezed onto one disc, as at under 50 minutes, this recording is rather lightweight. Kate Bolton
JC Bach: Oboe Concerto No. 1 in F; Flute Concerto in D; Bassoon Concerto in E flat
JC Bach’s woodwind concertos suggest his skill as an opera composer, with their lyrical solo lines subtly underscored by a transparent orchestral texture. As a horn player turned director, Anthony Halstead is clearly well aware of the importance of letting this music breathe, and the band sounds less hard driven than in some of its earlier recordings. At times, this approach is almost too relaxed, resulting in a slight lumpiness in the faster movements, and a loss of momentum in the Rondeaux of the Flute Concerto.
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm