The Overture in D minor is one of Fasch’s many overture-suites, yet not one of his more outstanding ones. The melodies are pretty much run-of-the-mill for the period (and all in the same key), and they aren’t helped by their constricted arrangement for chalumeau, two oboes, bassoon, and strings. This feeling of confinement carries over into the vocal works as well, despite Klaus Mertens solid yet tender-voiced singing in Jauchzet dem Herrn and Laetatus sum (where he is ably partnered by Deborah York’s beautiful soprano). Things liven up a bit in the Concerto in B-flat minor, joyfully realized by the Accademia Daniel under Shalev Ad-El’s leadership, so that the final cantata Sanftes Brausen seems less wearisome after the break. Maybe I was expecting more after that excellent disc of Fasch Overture-suites on Berlin Classics a few months back, but this one’s for serious Baroque fanciers only.
