BaL 2.11.2019/28.3.20 - Bach: Violin Concerto in E BWV 1042

[Richard Barrett]

Going back to the Bach violin concerto in E, has anyone else had a listen to the new Kati Debretzeni with JEG? It’s on SDG but available via the usual streaming providers? I just gave it a (metaphorical) spin, and it sounds to me like a contender. Haven’t seen any reviews yet, and would be interested in a second opinion. Presumably too new for consideration on BaL.

I was listening to that CD yesterday (metaphorically) and I rather like the rawness of it, not something I would generally associate with JEG, I imagine somehow this might have been how JSB himself might have played them.

[jayne lee wilson]

First impressions, in isolation, on the Debretzeni/JEG... 1041.....

I'm afraid I found myself admiring the orchestra, the general purity of sound & approach, rather more than the soloist, who seemed unimaginative, at times even rather routine, and with a slightly forced tone especially in the outer movements.... and isn't that sublime andante a bit too steady here, not to say plodding...? Responded more positively to the solo within it..... Great fan of JEG, but his accompaniment sounded too predictable in following her..... (he doesn't really do rubato or flexibility much anyway...)

Guess I just craved more song and spontaneity...It might grow one me, but I felt disinclined to progress...I went back to those lovely Telemann Sonatas instead... (playing now....)...

[Goon525]

Hmmm, 'raw' or 'plodding'? If pushed, I did find the bass accompaniment a touch on the wooly side. But I did enjoy the soloist.

[Richard Barrett]

Hmmm, 'raw' or 'plodding'? If pushed, I did find the bass accompaniment a touch on the wooly side. But I did enjoy the soloist.

I'm with you on both counts. It isn't really the way I prefer to hear Bach's ensemble music these days, in comparison to Café Zimmermann or the more recent of the La Petite Bande recordings, but I found the solo playing really quite attractive. My earlier comment was after listening only to the D minor concerto; the E major didn't strike me as so engaging.

[Goon525]

The new JEG was Disc of the week on RR today. AMcG felt that it would have been worthy of serious consideration had it been available for the BaL survey.

[Beresford]

The new JEG was Disc of the week on RR today.

I heard that. Loved the sweet violin tone, but ever so slightly plodding. Presumably this came from the conductor (which player would dare diverge from JEG?), as Debretzeni often leads the OAoE from the violin, where she can set the pace.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

(Repeated next week)

[Barbirollians]

(Repeated next week)

Just think if we had scripted solo recorded BALs ....

[ardcarp]

I'm incandescent with rage about R3's response to BAL in the face of the current measures. Given the technology we have, there is no reason on earth why a reviewer, having agreed some guidelines with the producer, should not write his/her own review and either do it live from home or record it in advance.

The only reason for not doing this is because of the BBC's bloody-minded reaction against our views about twofers.

I'm afraid I swithced off within 20 seconds of the start. I really didn't want to hear the naive and condescending twaddle...AGAIN... about HIPP.
I think R3 listeners know all about the difference between performance practices in 1960 and 2020.

I wonder how Harriet Smith is going to review chamber music from home???

[kernelbogey]

I'm incandescent with rage about R3's response to BAL in the face of the current measures. Given the technology we have, there is no reason on earth why a reviewer, having agreed some guidelines with the producer, should not write his/her own review and either do it live from home or record it in advance.

The only reason for not doing this is because of the BBC's bloody-minded reaction against our views about twofers.



I'm afraid I swithced off within 20 seconds of the start. I really didn't want to hear the naive and condescending twaddle...AGAIN... about HIPP.
I think R3 listeners know all about the difference between performance practices in 1960 and 2020.

I wonder how Harriet Smith is going to review chamber music from home???

Calm down dear .

I think R3 listeners know all about the difference between performance practices in 1960 and 2020.

Well I learned things from this and enjoyed the broadcast. The trouble with the twofer format is the artificiality: nonetheless I thought Mark brought a spontaneity to his remarks.

Anyway, Ardy, this R3 listener for last 60-odd years didn't have this work in his collection and now has Rachel Podger on her way from Leamington.

[Bryn]

I'm not sure how, but I seem to have missed this one, first time round. Not too happy with the time spent showing how wrong leading musicians got it for much of the 20th Century, but once it got down to the real thing, I found it of some interest. Looks like I may be adding the Podger/Brecon and maybe the Ibragimova to my 'go-to', Cafe Zimmermann.

[mikealdren]

In addition, I'm particularly annoyed that they are repeating such recent transmissions that are fresh in the memory. How about some vintage editions that are not also on 'BBC Sounds'.

[kernelbogey]

...How about some vintage editions that are not also on 'BBC Sounds'.

Because they'd be out of date in terms of subsequent releases...?

[ardcarp]

I'm particularly annoyed that they are repeating such recent transmissions that are fresh in the memory.

That's because they're twofers. Older ones aren't.

[Bryn]

In addition, I'm particularly annoyed that they are repeating such recent transmissions that are fresh in the memory. How about some vintage editions that are not also on 'BBC Sounds'.

Except it's not available on BBC Sounds and has not been for nearly 4 months (apart from its live availability between 9.30 and 10.15 this morning. Presumably, it will return for 30 days in an hour or so.