This second volume of Bach keyboard concertos is every bit as fine as the first (type Q9124 in the search box for that review). Angela Hewitt goes right to the expressive heard of each concerto, whether it be the darkly searching opening movement of No. 5 in F minor, or the ebullient grace of the substantial E major concerto (No. 2). She also understands how important it is to characterize her exchanges with the string orchestra, helped in no small degree by the presence of an additional harpsichord continuo, allowing Hewitt to personalize her contributions even more. The infectious joy she brings to Concerto No. 6, arranged from Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, is particularly delightful, and she balances her contributions perfectly against those of the two flutes. In short, with beautiful sound and ideal accompaniments from the Australian Chamber Orchestra under Richard Tognetti, these are outstanding performances in all respects. They belong in any self-respecting listener’s Bach collection.
