I suspect that much of this disc’s contents will not be familiar even to the most ardent Bach piano transcription maven, particularly curiosities such as Robert Franz’s opulent treatment of the C minor lute suite BWV 997 and the young(ish) Frank Zabel’s equally thick piano version of the G minor unaccompanied violin sonata BWV 1001. While it’s good to have obscure yet worthy Bach transcriptions within easy consumer reach, Angelika Nebel’s earnest pianism doesn’t turn me on.
For example, the lush textures of Elinor Remick Warren’s Bist du bei mir would benefit from a steadier overall pulse and less heavy articulation. Little sense of line and fluidity emerges from the two Tausig transcriptions, while the familiar Myra Hess Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is overly loud and squarely phrased. The two Walter Rummel transcriptions are fluent and graceful enough, but are not quite so poised and effortless as Jonathan Plowright (Hyperion) plays them. However, I must praise Ars Musici’s superb presentation, especially the beautifully designed booklet and extremely informative annotations.
