Golden Label Nomination - Strange indeed, that the organ concertos of Georg Friedrich Händel, which he wrote among other things as interludes during set changes and the like at performances of his operas, are so well known, while those of his contemporary Johann Sebastian Bach are less so. A limited point of attention because Bach composed so much?
A joyful feeling, the cheerfulness of spring and relaxing calm, that is immediately what captivated me and has not let go since, when listening to the cd 'Concertos for Organ and Strings' (without Dutch text – again not! – in the booklet) by the baroque ensemble Les Muffatti with Bart Jacobs at the organ. Four concerti and three short sinfonias can be heard.
The recording technique is very finely executed and you still hear some natural reverberation, a plus point. Far too often reverberation and everything else is filtered out, resulting in an exaggerated purity that is no longer natural. Here we fortunately get a normal effect. Not insignificant!
Bart Jacobs and Les Muffatti maintain an honest, faithful performance, no excessive rumbling, no haste, no idiosyncrasies to prove themselves, the musicians go for what matters, the soul of the music, respect for the composer, the values that Bach shaped in the music.
The seasoned musicians let themselves go in a wonderful Bach that reveals here that other 'self' than that of his passions. It is also not the Bach of the great organ works that strive directly toward the Almighty, it is a Bach that brings absolute beauty among people in musical lines and chords that make you cheerful. An anti-stress remedy for this time? And how!
Do I need to tell you more about why this recording is so excellent? I think it is better that you simply start listening right away. That way you still have some freedom to supplement me in my judgment or point the finger at me in my error. One certainty I have in any case: you will melt with delight listening to this silver disc, a fresh pearl that you must not miss.
- WHAT: Concertos for Organ and Strings by Johann Sebastian Bach
- WHO: Les Muffatti and organist Bart Jacobs
- RELEASE: Ramee / Outhere – RAM 1804
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExinsKXmSfc[/embed]