Bach, J.S.: Brandenburg Concertos, Vol. 2

Classics Today

“Helmut Müller-Brühl and his Cologne Chamber Orchestra continue their fleet-footed traversal of Bach's formidable yet familiar Brandenburg terrain (see review of Vol. I), finishing the set with Nos. 4 and 5, and completing the intelligently compiled and generous program with two concertos that Bach reworked from earlier pieces: the so-called "Triple Concerto", for flute, violin, and harpsichord, and a transposed version of the Brandenburg No. 4 with harpsichord replacing solo violin. ... orinne Chapelle's violin solo work in No. 4 is brilliant. Robert Hill keeps up the virtuoso standard with his facile harpsichord finger-work in a sizzling No. 5. ...The rarely heard Triple Concerto, with its charming slow movement (and sensitively realized interpretation) and the equally scarce F major transcription (with some impressive recorder playing) are a real bonus. It's especially useful to have both versions of Brandenburg No. 4 on the same disc. The sound is detailed and well-balanced…”