Bach J.S. Brandenburg Concertos Nos.1-6 BWV 1046-1051 (complete recording) / Musica Florea

CD 1

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto for 2 French Horn, Bassoon, Violin, String Orchestra and Harpsichord Continuo No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046 17:52

1. without tempo indication 3:19

2. Adagio 3:37

3. Allegro 3:54

4. Menuetto - Trio I - Polacca - Trio II 6:57

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto for Trumpet, Flute, Oboe, Violin, String Orchestra and Harpsichord Continuo No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047 12:01

1. without tempo indication 5:15

2. Andante 3:45

3. Allegro assai 2:56

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto for 3 Violins, 3 Violas, Double Bass and Harpsichord Continuo No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048 9:56

1. without tempo indication 5:25

2. Allegro 4:28

CD 2

Jonann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto for Violin, 2 Flutes, String Orchestra and Harpsichord Continuo No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049 14:31

1. Allegro 6:37

2. Andante 3:17

3. Presto 4:32

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto for Harpsichord, Flute, Violin and String Orchestra No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050 20:08

1. Allegro 9:39

2. Affetuoso 5:13

3. Allegro 5:09

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto for 4 Violas, Cello, Violin and Harpsichord Continuo No. 6 in B flat major, BWV 1051 14:50

1. without tempo indication 5:09

2. Adagio ma non tanto 4:21

3. Allegro 5:16

Musica Florea, Marek Štryncl conductor

The first Bach recording made by Musica Florea was Magdaléna Kožená and became the landmark international debut of the mezzo-soprano, whom the ensemble accompanied. A number of breakthrough and often highly praised recordings of Czech Baroque music (for example, Cannes Classical Award 2003 for Zelenka's Sub olea pacis) ensued. Now Musica Florea return to Bach with a recording of the Brandenburg Concertos. A work that has been recorded on innumerable occasions by renowned orchestras here sounds novel, frequently with surprising tempos. It is precisely owing to the selection of tempos that many parts make a gain on musical logic and attractiveness for the listener, began dancing. On this recording, blood flows through the veins of Bach, elsewhere coldly decent, carved in stone. The instrumentalists' outstanding technique and stylistic purity go without saying, and with this recording, Musica Florea have confirmed their position among the best Czech and European orchestras dealing with knowledgeable interpretation of Baroque music. The most notable aspect of the recording, however, is their exuding of the sheer joy of Bach's music.

(Supraphon 2008)