Bach: Violin Concertos
About This Album
Emmy Verhey's album of J.S. Bach's violin concertos has been reissued several times since its recording in 1992 (except for the 1988 recording of the Concerto for Three Violins), and Brilliant Classics has been well justified in keeping this fine disc in print. These vigorous performances with the Camerata Antonio Luco (save for the last work, which was played with the Amsterdam Bach Soloists) are given in something close to period sound with a reduced orchestra and harpsichord continuo, though it should be noted that the strings have a rather warm and inviting tone, and the timbres are quite a bit richer than what one encounters on some "authentic" Baroque performances. Still, the Allegros are brisk and tempos are stepped up a bit in the Adagios, and the overall pacing is in keeping with the lean ensembles and their high energy. Verhey is an exceptional soloist and her vibrant tone, crisp execution, and strong sense of line keep the concertos coherent, engaging, and enjoyable, even though they are extremely familiar works in which jaded listeners may find little to get excited about. One might quibble over Verhey's fairly minimal ornamentation, or find that the lack of improvisation in the overall performances shows a lack of imagination or insight into Bach's time, but as far as straightforward readings go, these are honestly expressive and cleanly delivered, and are certainly respectable by any reasonable standard. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide
Track List

Concerto for violin, strings & continuo No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041
1.
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Concerto for violin, strings & continuo No. 2 in E major, BWV 1042
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Concerto for violin, strings & continuo in D minor (reconstruction), BWV 1052R
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Concerto for oboe (or violin), strings & continuo in G minor (reconstruction), BWV 1056R
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Concerto for 3 violins, strings & continuo in D major (reconstruction), BWV 1064R
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