Bach Chamber and Instrumental music

[prémont]

...and I cannot find a cheapo grey reissue of the Menuhin/Malcolm

Can be had here in a sound-wise very good release (well it's CDR, but you get the music):

https://forgottenrecords.com/en/Menuhin-Malcolm-Gauntlett--Bach--622.html

[Mandryka]

I've been listening to it this morning, it is beautiful as you say. However my reservation about it is that it is solemn. Solemn may not be quite the right word, it's a quality I've heard before in Schweitzer for example - as if the music is designed to accompany a procession of important dignitaries. But it is beautiful,  no doubt about it.

[Jo498]

My point was less getting hold of the Menuhin/Malcolm recordings than trying to help my memory which of the Menuhin recordings I listened to in 2010... For whatever reason I remember more clearly that it was some cheap re-issue and that cover might fit it than whether it was harpsichord or piano...

[Mandryka]

Earlier in the week I was listening to Suk/Ruzickova. This new one from Terakado/Bonizzoni is the polar opposite. It's quite tough, frank and eloquent. I think it's effective and interesting.

All ears are on Terakado: I haven't noticed that Bonizzoni has much new to say, though in movements where he has a lot to do, like the adagio of 1016, he does it beautifully.

The 1016 is excellent, they're really sparking off each other, it's a real valuable contribution.

[Jo498]

the historical Menuhin/Kentner is on youtube but I would hardly recommend it although I got used to the style after a while...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8-lxStJSWM

[Mandryka]

It's a surprise to me how much I've grown to appreciate these 1014 - 1019 sonatas, at the moment they're the Bach I enjoy the most!

[milk]

It's a surprise to me how much I've grown to appreciate these 1014 - 1019 sonatas, at the moment they're the Bach I enjoy the most!

incredible works. You can forget about one strand of Bach easily because there's so much to draw attention. I agree: these pieces are so beautiful.

[Jo498]

 I loved them (or most, I am still not as fond of #5+6 as of my favs E major, b minor and c minor) the first encounter over 20 years ago and they have remained my favorite Bach chamber music.

[Mandryka]

Unusual harpsichord sound. This needs to be explored.

I think this is interesting enough to merit a listening, especially in the harpsichord. They're certainly aware of independent lines. I can't find any information online about the instrument or what has inspired their distinctive style in the music. Hossen is tasteful. Barbareschi has a good deal of personality. Whether the two come together in an altogether satisfactory way is not clear to me, but I am very happy that they have given me food for thought.

[Mandryka]

Then there is Michele Auclair / Marie-Claire Alain which is so-so. I have only found it available here:

I think MCA's contribution is really good! I'm hearing a sense that they're listening to each other, and responding. They're not on autopilot. Sound is a major weakness, at least on this transfer, maybe Forgotten Records is better

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1JlGoCjDVefEwELAw3P5n0

[Mandryka]

https://www.qobuz.com/at-de/album/bach-3-sonatas-for-viola-da-gamba-harpsichord-jonathan-dunford-pierre-trocellier/jjyw2mhd2718a

Jonathan Dunford and Pierre Trocellier play the gamba sonatas. Special IMO. Small scale, which is good. Trocellier was the harpsichord player in the Charbonnier Marais series. Dunford needs no intro. Streaming only, but streaming everywhere. Amateur engineering, amateur production, but charming in its way.

[Mandryka]

https://www.qobuz.com/at-de/album/bach-3-sonatas-for-viola-da-gamba-harpsichord-jonathan-dunford-pierre-trocellier/jjyw2mhd2718a

Jonathan Dunford and Pierre Trocellier play the gamba sonatas. Special IMO. Small scale, which is good. Trocellier was the harpsichord player in the Charbonnier Marais series. Dunford needs no intro. Streaming only, but streaming everywhere. Amateur engineering, amateur production, but charming in its way.

Back to this for the first time in over 2 years, it is without a doubt very special indeed. @prémont - you need to hear it.

The sound quality is fine.

[prémont]

Back to this for the first time in over 2 years, it is without a doubt very special indeed. @prémont - you need to hear it.

Thank you for the tip. I found all three sonatas on YouTube. What strikes me as special about this recording is the fine balance between the upper harpsichord voice and the viola da gamba, making the music sound like the trio sonata it is. Also the harpsichordist, whose cantabile and eloquent playing is something other harpsichordists could learn from, is in a special class.

[Mandryka]

Thank you for the tip. I found all three sonatas on YouTube. What strikes me as special about this recording is the fine balance between the upper harpsichord voice and the viola da gamba, making the music sound like the trio sonata it is. Also the harpsichordist, whose cantabile and eloquent playing is something other harpsichordists could learn from, is in a special class.

Pierre Trocellier was the harpsichord played for the Jean-Louis Charbonnier Marais on Ligia. Apart from that, he seems to have focussed on working with Jonathan Dunford, who now published recordings on his own label.