111 CD / Johann Sebastian Bach. Concertos Vol. II
Description
„Das Stuttgarter Kammerorchester ist ein Musterbeispiel für ein Ensemble, bei dem die Trennung von historischem und modernem Instrumentarium, historischer und moderner Stilistik schlichtweg kein Thema mehr ist: Hier ist zusammengewachsen, was, wenn man Musik interpretierend mit Emotion und Ausdruck füllen will, ohnehin zusammengehört.(…)“ (Klassik heute)
2 reviews for 111 CD / Johann Sebastian Bach. Concertos Vol. II
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Klassik heute –
The Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra is a prime example of an ensemble where the distinction between historical and modern instruments, or historical and modern performance styles, simply no longer matters. Here, what naturally belongs together—when the goal is to interpret music with emotion and expression—has grown into a seamless whole. In its approach to Bach, this orchestra, founded in 1945 and proudly bearing the title of Europe’s oldest chamber orchestra, proceeds with both sensitivity and vigor. Nothing is exaggerated, nothing smoothed over; details are lovingly explored, and the musicians deliberately engage with one another. Benjamin Hudson, leading the orchestra here as concertmaster, performs the solo parts of the original and reconstructed violin concertos with precision, fluidity, and a consciously un-virtuosic demeanor—all of which serves the music well. The fact that these works come across more as ensemble pieces than as showcases for virtuosity is not only historically accurate but also contributes to the overwhelmingly positive impression of a recording that is spectacular precisely because it avoids spectacle.
Susanne Benda
Fono Forum –
With a Rounded Sound
Unfortunately, Bach left us only a few violin concertos—even when considering the presumed original versions of his harpsichord concertos. Given the fierce competition in the market, it’s a shame that these two CDs, with less than an hour and a half of music, don’t include the well-reconstructed early version of BWV 1052, which would have fit easily. The reason for this underutilized space is that Tacet now prioritizes the DVD format, tailoring the playing time accordingly. The CDs are merely a budget-friendly offshoot of the DVD, priced lower than a standard double album.
The small label has always placed special emphasis on sound quality, and this CD derivative—without any surround gimmicks—delivers an exceptionally homogeneous and precise recording. The Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra ensures a rounded, warm tone, while still reflecting the advances in performance practice of the past two decades. Perhaps it’s precisely their still-conventional approach to tone and tempo that makes this recording so appealing, offering a welcome counterpoint to competitors playing on period instruments.
Reinmar Emans