COMPOSERS: JS Bach
LABELS: Archiv Masters
WORKS: Six Trio Sonatas for Organ, BWV 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530
PERFORMER: Ton Koopman (organ)
CATALOGUE NO: 447 277-2 DDD (1983)
Ton Koopman’s precise and carefully balanced performances of Bach’s Six Trio Sonatas, BWV 525-530 (played on the organ of Waalse Kerk, Amsterdam), rely heavily on the music’s inherent logic for expressive content. Indeed, when Gordon Reynolds reviewed these recordings back in 1983, he fought off sleep, finding too little variety in Koopman’s registrations, and insufficient animation in the slow movements. There are highlights, such as the jubilant opening movement of the Fifth Sonata, or the orchestrally conceived first movement of the Fourth (adapted from the Sinfonia in Cantata No. 76). Nevertheless, I must also confess to finding the overall effect of these versions challengingly austere. Nicholas Rast
JS Bach: Six Trio Sonatas for Organ, BWV 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530
Ton Koopman’s precise and carefully balanced performances of Bach’s Six Trio Sonatas, BWV 525-530 (played on the organ of Waalse Kerk, Amsterdam), rely heavily on the music’s inherent logic for expressive content. Indeed, when Gordon Reynolds reviewed these recordings back in 1983, he fought off sleep, finding too little variety in Koopman’s registrations, and insufficient animation in the slow movements. There are highlights, such as the jubilant opening movement of the Fifth Sonata, or the orchestrally conceived first movement of the Fourth (adapted from the Sinfonia in Cantata No. 76).
Our rating
2
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Share this article
Exclusive U.S. Offer
Try a BBC Music Magazine subscription and get free delivery from the UK!
Subscribe Now!
