J.S. Bach’s Violin concertos kept me company on the way to work this morning; for the first time in years, I was sad that the commute wasn’t longer…

I’ve always enjoyed these concertos and, on this recording, the orchestra is inspired and the music pours with a flowing vivacity. There were two movements that were especially pleasurable:

  • When the 3rd movement (Allegro) of the D-minor Concerto (BWV 1043) first started, I thought the tempo was a bit fast, but it brought me to full consciousness and I thoroughly enjoyed the sprightly mood.
  • The 2nd movement (Adagio) of the Concerto in C (BWV 1064R) evoked a meditative walk through a field, with vestiges of morning mist swirling.

I usually like to listen to these concertos with my eyes closed, to fully appreciate the sounds as they roil over me, but that’s not viable while driving. I read somewhere that the pitch on this recording is ‘reduced’ because the ensemble is a period instrument orchestra and they were attempting to reproduce an authentic performance from the time-period. I can’t really notice a difference; I’m not that attuned to the nuances, I just know what I like.

I felt like Johann himself was in the passenger seat, talking to me; I’m not sure that what he was saying was what I heard, but it was awesome to have company on the drive to work.

Highly recommended.

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