Bach JS: Orchestral Suites, Violin Concertos

Catalogue # 8802086

These recordings, made in 1990-93, were notable in that they avoided the usual CD programming clichés, bringing together some of the double and triple concertos in which Bach had a hand, in an unusual mix. The D minor Concerto for violin and oboe is a scholastically justified reconstruction from the double harpsichord Concerto in C minor, BWV1060, and the three-violin Concerto, BWV1064, is likewise derived from one for three harpsichords, the provenance of which is in doubt.

Vladimir Spivakov is the soloist in the concertos, and takes over as conductor for the Four Suites for Orchestra, the orchestra being the Moscow Virtuosi, which he founded in 1979. They have always been renowned for their bright, clear sound and energetic approach, which jettisoned some of the heavy or aggressive weight associated with some Russian ensembles in Baroque music, while retaining the legerdemain associated with all the great Russian string players. It is a sound and an approach completely of its time, one that ensembles such as the Russian National Orchestra emulated in the following years.

Bach, J S:
Orchestral Suites Nos. 1-4, BWV1066-1069
Concerto for Oboe & Violin in C minor, BWV1060
Concerto for Three Violins in C major, BWV1064

Vladimir Spivakov (violin and director)
Moscow Virtuosi

CD - 4 discs