Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Sonnerie :: J.S. Bach: Violin Concertos

Different Bach

Ross Kennett | Narooma, NSW Australia | 03/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I already owned 7 CDs with one or more of Bach's violin concertos I could not resist buying this one because of the high regard I have for Monica Huggett and Sonnerie.

This CD has 4 concertos, BWVs 1052 and 1056, reconstructed from harpsichord concertos, and BWVs 1041 and 1042 which have survived in their original form, these latter 2 each have about 100 versions available in the catalogue.

On the first playing these interpretations were a surprise, they sounded so different. Ms Huggett uses frequent, short changes of rhythm for dramatic effect, so you don't hear what you expext to hear, and your first impression is that the flow of the music has been impeded. The best example of this is the last movement of BWV 1041, when surprise was close to panic. However, on a second playing, it begins to click for you, and you think this is pretty good, and on a third playing you think this is very good, including BWV 1041.

Sonnerie use only one instrument per part, which makes the sound transparent and clear. ( Pablo Valetti and Cafe Zimmermann also use one instrument per part for Bach concertos, I think they are top rate interpreters of Bach). Ms Huggetts interpretation of each concerto is robust but well balanced.

I think this is an excellent CD, Ms Huggett should be congratulated for daring to be different. This is a recording for Bach lovers, I have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars, but I expect it will get rough treatment from critics with closed minds."