J.s. Bach: Violin Concertos / Podger, Brecon Baroq

Rachel Podger, violin with Brecon Baroque

J.S. Bach: Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 / Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 / Concerto in G minor, after BWV 1056 / Concerto in A major, after BWV 1055

Rachel: ‘The opportunity to spend three intensive days recording four Bach concertos is an uplifting experience. Each piece encompasses a unique expressive world where discovering the real essence of every movement becomes a kind of obsession! The concertos in A minor and E major are old friends. I’ve grown up with them and I played them a lot when young. The other two, in G minor and A major, were very familiar (as harpsichord concertos or in various transcriptions) – relations I knew reasonably well but not such close friends. It has been a delight to explore these pieces and renew acquaintance, first hand.’ (from: liner notes) The dynamic ensemble Brecon Baroque was foundedin 2007 by violinist Rachel Podger as resident ensemble at her annual Brecon Baroque Festival. The international line-up consists of some of some of the leading lights in the period-instrument world, such as cellist Alison McGillivray, flautist Katie Bircher, oboist Alexandra Bellamy and violist Jane Rogers, as well as some of Rachel's “star” former students who now occupy leading positions in many of Europe's finest ensembles. Brecon Baroque specializes in the music of J.S.Bach and his contemporaries, often as a one-to-a-part ensemble but also as a small Baroque orchestra. Over the last two years the ensemble has performed several of Bach's Cantatas for solo soprano with Elin Manahan Thomas and will do so again in 2011. Future recording plans include Bach's Art of Fugue and Telemann's great collection Tafelmusik. The ensemble's London debut is at the Wigmore Hall on 22nd December.

Price: $24.98