The Bach Family Album

David Vernier

Artistic Quality:

Sound Quality:

The five-member Aulos Ensemble–Christopher Krueger (flauto traverso); Marc Schachman (baroque oboe); Linda Quan (baroque violin); Myron Lutzke (baroque cello); Arthur Haas (harpsichord)–has put together a very attractive program of works by three of J.S. Bach’s sons, recorded in a very close, intimate acoustic that places us front and center, in position to enjoy every detail and appreciate the rich timbres of the strings, the reedy flute, the harpsichord’s sparkling brilliance. Interspersed with the larger works are famous selections from the Clavier Büchlein für Anna Magdalena Bach, performed by various instrumental combinations (for instance, the “Aria” BWV 988.1 features cello and harpsichord; the entire ensemble joins for a charming rendition of everyone’s favorite G major Minuet).

Of course the music itself is stylistically nothing like that of father Sebastian, showing the influence of the Italian brand of the style galant or, in Emanuel’s case, representing the self-consciously expressive, North-German Empfindsamer stil. Indeed, in Christian’s Quintet are hints of the later Divertimentos of Mozart. There’s nothing especially notable or revelatory here–it’s just very pleasant music that squarely resides in the transitional period from late baroque to mature classical. And the Aulos Ensemble spares nothing in energy or enthusiasm, applying the full measure of its long-time experience (the group was founded in 1973) to enliven these rarely-heard works. A fine addition to the Bach family catalog.


Recording Details:

Album Title: THE BACH FAMILY ALBUM

JOHANN CHRISTIAN BACH - Quintet in D major Op. 22
C.P.E. BACH - Trio Sonata in G major for flute, violin, & basso continuo W. 144; Sonata in G minor for oboe & basso continuo W. 135
JOHANN CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BACH - Trio in C major for harpsichord, flute, & oboe

  • Record Label: Centaur - CRC 3068
  • Medium: CD

Search Music Reviews

Search Sponsor

  • Insider Reviews only
  • Click here for Search Tips

Visit Our Merchandise Store

Visit Store
  • Benjamin Bernheim Rules as Met’s Hoffmann
    Benjamin Bernheim Rules as Met’s Hoffmann Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, NY; Oct 24, 2024 Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann is a nasty work. Despite its
  • RIP David Vernier, Editor-in-Chief
    David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com’s founding Editor-in-Chief passed away Thursday morning, August 1, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. The end came shockingly quickly. Just a
  • Finally, It’s SIR John
    He’d received many honors before, but it wasn’t until last week that John Rutter, best known for his choral compositions and arrangements, especially works related