Bach's Brandenburg given a fresh sound

the Academy of Ancient Music under Richard Egarr bring enough distinguishing features to make this Brandenburg a worthy listen

Composer: Bach
Repertoire: Brandenburg Concertos
Artists: Academy of Ancient Music/Richard Egarr
Rating:  3/5
Genre: Orchestral
Label: Harmonia Mundi HMU 807461.62

Some might shrug dismissively at the thought of yet another Brandenburg disc, but distinguishing features and a fresh-sounding performance make this worthy of a listen. Egarr’s approach is a happy mix of ‘authentic’ and personal gratification. The one-to-a-part period instruments are tuned to the slightly lower ‘French’ Baroque pitch and much thought has gone into their positioning. Less authentic are a theorbo and a guitar joining the accompanying harpsichord. The result emphasises the work’s chamber aspect, with vibrant dialogue between the contrasting instrumental families, and the swelled accompaniment generating a warm backdrop.