This is one of those releases that disarms criticism. These works offer no major technical challenges to modern players; the only real issue is whether or not they phrase the music imaginatively and engage in the kind of interplay that brings Bach’s affecting melodies to life. Daniel Müller-Schott and Angela Hewitt certainly do just that, joyously and effortlessly. Müller-Schott plays with a very attractive, husky tone, not too much vibrato, and nicely incisive rhythm. In movements such as the first allegro of the D major sonata, he and Hewitt offer a dialogue that sounds as if the two have been doing this together for years. The slow movements, such as the Adagio of the G minor sonata or the Andante of the G major, are very beautifully done. Hewitt always knows when to take center stage and when to yield to her partner, and of course as a Bach player she’s very hard to fault.
The C.P.E. Bach sonata makes a logical coupling; its concluding “arioso” is particularly memorable. But even with this extra work, playing time still falls well short of an hour. Surely another piece (or two) could have been included. The two players are very well balanced against each other, but the microphone placement captures a little heavy breathing (I presume from Müller-Schott). Happily it’s not too habitual, but without it the sonics would rate a “10” as well. In short, this release has style, polish, and class, and earns an easy recommendation. [2/12/2008]
