Johann Sebastian Bach

“the best recording of these works on any instrument.” (Gramophone)

“Whether or not the description of these as 'lute' works is justified has long been a matter for debate, and in their annotation Stephan Schmidt and Claude Chauvel inevitably fail to resolve the matter, though they lean more in the direction of 'yes' than most. In a sense it matters little, for the works have been performed and recorded on a variety of other plucked-string instruments – harpsichord and lute-harpsichord as well as guitar – in exemplary fashion. The 'standard' six-string guitar is a baritone instrument, but its lowest register isn't extended enough to avoid the need for compromises; accordingly guitars with more strings (the extra ones at the bass end) have been in use for over 30 years. Now Schmidt, using 10 strings, sets a new benchmark with this magnificent set. The extra four strings give firmer bass and more resonant bass lines, as did Söllscher's five, and free the player's left hand from the restriction of having to hold many of them down.
Schmidt's touch is happily light in the galanteries and in the Loure of BWV1006a, but there's gravity in the unhurried sarabandes – such variations apply not only to pace but to spirit, too. He knows when to embellish (which he does with elegance) and when not. His rubato 'bends' a little more than Söllscher's and he's less conservative in his approach to embellishment – but attitudes to such matters have since eased. If there's a better version of these works on any kind of guitar in terms of content and recording quality we have yet to hear it.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010