Bach: Orchestral Suites - Academy of Ancient Music/Richard Egarr

A pared-down reading that positively shines. John Suchet's Album of the Week, 27 October 2014

Written during the composer's Leipzig period, where he had a wider range of instruments at his disposal than ever before, J.S. Bach's Orchestral Suites gave him the opportunity to explore and enjoy new and varied combinations of instruments. However, in this recording, the Academy of Ancient Music is scaled down to just one instrument per part, to create a sharp, sparkling and unencumbered reading.

With the ensemble still mourning the death of Christopher Hogwood, there could be no better tribute to their founder than this excellent new recording under the baton of his successor, Richard Egarr. 

Egarr's approach allows each instrument to be heard and shine through, and for the brilliance of Bach's writing to be exposed and enjoyed afresh.