J.S. Bach: Die Sonaten für Viola Da Gamba und Cembalo

I have to concur with a couple of the reviews in the Amazon page, in that this CD irks me. Like a dozen mosquitoes swarming around an ear for an hour.
I can only say that I bought this CD as a recommendation based on the very talented performers, with the added plus of the sound of original instruments:

• Jordi Savall, viole de gambe
• Pellegrino Zanetti, Venise 1550 (sonata 1)
• (à sept cordes) Barak Norman, London 1697 (sonata 2,3)
• (altus) Andreas Doerffel, Klingenthal 1757 (sonata 4)
• Ton Koopman, Clavecin
• Christian Zell, Hamburg 1737 (property of Museo de la Música, Instituo de Cultura de Barcelona)

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
Trio Sonata	C	BWV 529 / BC J5		based on the Sonate V for organ in C major
Sonata for viola da gamba & keyboard #1	G	BWV 1027
Sonata for viola da gamba & keyboard #2	D	BWV 1028
Sonata for viola da gamba & keyboard #3	Gb	BWV 1029

Bach: Brandenburgische Konzerte 4,5,6

Breathtaking! Absolutely outstanding! (Knowing me, I think I have to be in specially receptive mood now)

Although I have heard them many many times, (and I have heard this precise recording before, Brilliant CDI-2) it still sounds so new. Such a compelling tempo, crystal clear distinction of instruments. For example in the Allegro of BWV 1049, I just noticed some virtuosissimi violin scales that I had not distinguished in any other recording.

Concerto no. 4 G BWV 1049
Rémy Baudet, violin
Pieter-Jan Belder, Saskia Coolen, recorder

Concerto no. 5 D BWV 1050
Wilbert Hazelzet, traverso
Rémy Baudet, violin
Pieter-Jan Belder, harpsichord

Concerto no. 6 B flat BWV 1051
Staas Swierstra, Sayuri Yamagata, viola
Mieneke van der Velden, Johannes Boer, viola da gamba
Lucia Swarts, cello

Pieter-Jan Belder, conducts Musica Amphion.

Mozart / Bach :Flute Concerto / Viola da Gamba Sonatas

[This post relates to 3 different CDs. Later posts are 1 CD per post, as the date is reflected directly in the post's metadata. I did not split it at a later date, since it would appear on a different date. (I will probably review them on the 2nd tour)]

Well, this is to show that not all works from great composers are great. Despite the delightfully predictable first movement, Allegro maestoso, from the Flute Concerto No. 1 in G KV313, Vol.2-13 was a bit dull. It is definitely listenable, but certainly not deserving more comment. And neither does the Second Flute Concerto KV 313 in D. Yet, they both contain lively themes that are heart-lightening.

In the Bach corner, the Viola da Gamba Sonatas (CDI-18: BWV 1027, BWV 1028, BWV 894, BWV 1029 ) didn't raise any special emotions. Perhaps more academic insight might be useful.

[Feb 2 07] I have later on decided to only have a post per CD. In this one 2 were "reviewed", to save words. I will leave it as it is, as apparently they will not be central in any way.