Although Klemperer eschewed the indulgences typical of Bach conductors from his generation, his 1954 Orchestral Suites are conceived on a grand and sonorous scale. Unlike the conductor’s stereo remakes, however, the mono versions, for lack of a better word, swing. Each movement emerges with a kind of inner rhythm that never bogs down under its own weight. The contrapuntal textures are tellingly contoured, yet never sound overpointed or contrived. By contrast, the Handel Concerto treads a bit heavily, as do the Gluck and Cherubini overtures. The delicious Rameau transcription, recorded in Klemperer’s 84th year, shows that the conductor could shed his severe demeanor and wield a light, delectable hand when he chose. A must for Klemperer-maniacs.
