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CCSSA41523
Originally recorded in April 2023
Classical
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About
The Baroque dream team of Rachel Podger and Kristian Bezuidenhout interpret the astonishing music of C.P.E. Bach’s Violin Sonatas in C minor, B minor, D major and G minor. The two early sonatas here from the 1730s resemble the older style of his father. Listening to these works, you can imagine J.S. Bach glancing over Emanuel’s shoulders while he wrote them as a teenager at home in Leipzig. The later sonatas, written 30 to 50 years later, reveal an emancipated composer whose developed musical language embodies the ‘Empfindsamer Stil’, the directly emotional and rhetorical style characteristic of northern-german music of the time.
‘It was wonderful to delve into the specific musical world that belongs to C.P.E. Bach for this recording with Kris. These violin sonatas are (quite unfortunately!) largely overshadowed by the classical Viennese sonatas of Mozart and Beethoven. Part of his genius is that he is full of surprises and unpredictable turns, and this was hugely enjoyable for me during the musical partnership with the wonderful Kristian Bezuidenhout.’ – Rachel Podger
“… Very highly recommended.”
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Reviews
Recordings of the Year Winner
International Classical Music Award 2024 Nomination in the Chamber Music category
“… Rachel Podger and Kristian Bezuidenhout are performers of the highest level of technical polish, and I am especially impressed by Bezuidenout’s imaginative and assertive pianism… Excellent sound from Channel as usual.”
“…A captivating synergy between Rachel Podger and Kristian Bezuidenhout radiates throughout this recital, breathing life into every bar of these sonatas, making it challenging to envisage more exceptional interpretations…”
“A treasurable partnership from two giants of the early music world… The slightly resonant church acoustic makes you feel as if you are sitting right there with the performers.”
“… The five pieces are treated to beautiful reading from these two leading practitioners of historical performance … The give and take between them as they dovetail their parts, provoking and responding is a delight, as is their sensitivity to a range of styles that intermix in the personality-rich music of this fascinating figure – far more than a mere bridge between the two artistic peaks of the 18th century.”
Performance ***** Sonics (Stereo) ***** Sonics (Multichannel) *****
“… A captivating synergy between Rachel Podger and Kristian Bezuidenhout radiates throughout this recital, breathing life into every bar of these sonatas, making it challenging to envisage more exceptional interpretations…”
“…There’s brilliant playing from both performers on a superb disc.”
Performance ***** Recording *****
“… Their music-making is infectiously spontaneous yet tellingly ‘considered’ – seamless rapport and impeccably-judged articulation delighting in a stream of illuminating felicities. CPE Bach’s free-spirited sonatas have surely found their free-spirited match.”
“… Podger and Bezuidenhout are known for their delicacy of touch, purity of tone and range of expression. Here, with this music, which requires not only those aforementioned qualities but an overtly conversational approach, their pairing is a match made in heaven.” *****
Editor’s Choice
“There's such a lovely rapport between these two eminent Baroque musicians on their first recorded collaboration, with Podger stepping gracefully into the role of accompanist for long stretches and Bezuidenhout (playing a French harpsichord for the early sonatas and a modern copy of a Walter fortepiano for the later ones) dazzling in the many moments when he takes centre-stage. The lovely Adagio from the opening sonata, more than a little reminiscent of the slow movement of Bach père's Double Concerto, is particularly enchanting.”
“… a rewarding 70 minutes of silky-toned violin and eloquent keyboards. Two early sonatas are audibly the work of JS Bach’s son; the later ones graft a more modern musical sensibility on to those glorious roots.”
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