J.S.Bach - Four Suites (from DVD)

27 tracks - MP3 192 Kbps - RAR 163 Mb

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Bach’s Orchestral Suites, or Overtures, are among the only true orchestral works he wrote for a chamber ensemble. With the exception of the Brandenburg Concertos, all his other orchestral works are for solo instruments, such as harpsichord or violin, and orchestra. The four overtures are tutti works, like the Brandenburgs, where the entire ensemble is the soloist. These works are also some of the most French of all of Bach¹s music - not only is the sound distinctly French, but the movements bear French names as well. Ton Koopman is one of the most interesting Bach performers in recent years. The performances are very good - they are lively, moving, full of vigour and they get the feet tapping, something that too many performers of these works cannot achieve. All too often these suites end up sounding staid and rigid, as conductors try and fit them into a mould that is more appropriate for Mozart or Haydn symphonies. This recording is full of fine contrasts as well - the spirited bouree of the second suite is followed by a stately, rhythmic reading of the polonaise, a sensitive minuet, and an almost bouncy badinerie. (This suite is especially intimate, featuring only 7 musicians, compared with about 20 for the third and fourth suites, and a dozen for the first.)

contents:

Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C major BWV 1066
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor BWV 1067
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major BWV 1068
Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D major BWV 1069

Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
dir. Ton Koopman