44.00 PLN

CD:

Nr kat.: RRC1117
Label  : Regis Records

The three concertos on this new disc all exist in versions for solo instruments other than the flute. Which versions reflect Bach's original intentions is not clear but, bearing in mind his employer, Frederick the Great's passion for the flute, and the composer's equally fervent commitment to the keyboard, we may perhaps adjudge an element of expediency in the flute concerto versions. The flautist Jennifer Stinton finds plenty of interest in the music and interprets it with spirit and virtuosity. Her phrases are well thought out and her articulation clear and effective. The beautifully written and emotionally charged finale of the D minor Concerto comes over well with splendidly energetic tuttis from the strings of the Orchestra of St John's. It is in the outer movements that these performances are at their best with crisp, responsive orchestral playing, well-chosen tempos and clean, incisive ensemble. The recording balance is pleasing, too, achieving an even dialogue between soloist and ripieno, without artificially highlighting the flute. Slow movements, to my ears fared less well, not so much for any lack of expression but rather because the string playing is a little too forceful. These movements are often strikingly intense in their musical language and this is not lost on the conductor John Lubbock, yet I felt that he could have achieved much the same expressive fervour with a smaller body of sound. In spite of minor reservations, I thoroughly enjoyed this playing of some wonderfully inventive music. The brooding intensity of the middle movements is at times startling, while the robust character and broad melodic contours of the outer ones make affecting contrasts. These are modern-instrument performances, but none the worse for that. If you want these concertos played on period instruments then a version with Konrad Hunteler (flute) and the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra under Ton Koopman is currently available. However, the new version stands up well in the face of the small competition on present-day instruments. The disc is accompanied by helpful background notes and the recorded sound is clear and effective.' https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/cpebach-flute-concertos-0