J.S.Bach - Oboe Concertos

9 tracks - MP3 192 Kbps - RAR 65Mb


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There are many recordings of Bach works for oboe soloist on both modern and baroque oboe, and this one likely won't be easy to get hold of. Too bad, because it is such a fine recording, so enjoyable to listen to, and in my opinion is one of the best from the Bach Ensemble and its director, Joshua Rifkin. Dr. Rifkin's liner notes present the scholarly case for combining movements from Bach's cantatas to make oboe concertos, and they are clear, informative, and interesting. What really shines here though is the oboe playing by Stephen Hammer. It is flawless, beautifully phrased playing that has joy and confidence built in--so attractive to listen to again and again. I came to find this CD because I was looking for recordings on which Hammer plays, because I think very highly of his playing. This one provides an opportunity to hear him play the oboe d'amore too, which is a lower-pitched and lovely oboe that is called for in one of the three concertos on this disc. Listeners who appreciate baroque oboe playing will marvel at Hammer's ability to manage Bach's very long phrases in certain movements. Bach scarcely gave his players any point at which to breathe. Playing some of the solo parts here is like running a mile while holding your breath, but Hammer is a marvel. He manages it so beautifully. This disc is highly recommended for listening pleasure if you can get hold of it. (Violetta, an Amazon customer)

contents:


Concerto for Oboe, Strings and Continuo in d
Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Continuo in A
Concerto for Oboe, Strings and Continuo in E-flat

[reconstructions]

Stephen Hammer, oboe & oboe d'amore

Bach Ensemble
dir. Joshua Rifkin