Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Jacques Loussier Trio :: The Bach Book: 40th Anniversary Album

Slightly Disappointing

David Gottner | 09/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Overall, this is another good album by the Loussier Trio. (I don't think this trio knows how to make a bad CD.) However, I think the original "Play Bach" CD is better.The original "Play Bach" was good because it is jazzy, yet the mood of the various works matched the original work by J. S. Bach. However, in this recording, that's not the case. The Brandenburg, for example, in it's cool jazz style lacks the warmth and joy of the original, and is rather much more restrained, sounding more like "Bach's Brandenberg in the style of Eric Satie" This was still a good listen, though I doubt that I'll reach for this CD as I do with "Play Bach" and "Take Bach"."

Stylistic and sincere - as always!

kiwimuzo | Auckland, New Zealand | 12/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have never come across Loussier and his jazz renditions of Bach before, you are in for a treat! The Frenchman's trio is in fine form, doing justice to the great master in a way that no-one else has in this idiom. If ever proof were needed that Baroque music is in essence the same 'genre' as jazz, this is it! Although this may not be the best of Loussier's Bach albums (as has been alluded to in other reviews), it tackles one of his greatest works, the sprightly, passionate 5th Brandenburg concerto, with its stunning keyboard cadenza - the first of its kind when Bach wrote it. Loussier extemporises Bach's original harmonies with flair, and the result is a vibrant, sincere performance. Also included are some of the other more well-known works, which the Loussier trio has garnered a reputation for performing over several decades. Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of this is that it displays Loussier's technical prowess, fashioned during his time as a serious concert piano student, where he developed a love for music by the great composers (check out his other recordings of the French composers Ravel, Debussy and Satie). However, it also enabled him to understand the style, and his superb authentic ornamentation gives the music extra colour and maintains the integrity of the works. A wonderful addition to a CD collection!"

Bach reborn

Carlos A. Lopez Valle | Québec, Canada | 03/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Joan Sebastian were alive he surely would love this album. Bach work is reborn with a fresh and vivacious touch. Loussier amalgamates with brio the most pure Bach with all the richness of jazz. The original theme and harmonies are there, combined with a feeling of rock, Latin and world music rhythms with a jazz line bringing unity at dazzling speed. It's a must have album for all classic and jazz music lovers. Loussier at his best."