Rune Most, Brings Sensitivity to CPE Bach Concertos
By Ralph Graves
Carl Philipp Emanuel (CPE) Bach was a court musician for Frederick the Great. Frederick was an enthusiastic amateur flutist. But the three concertos on this release weren’t written for him.
CPE Bach was employed as a harpsichordist. Frederick got his concertos from others — like Johann Jacob Quantz, who wrote 300 for the monarch.
Bach composed these three concertos for other musicians playing other instruments. The Flute Concerto in A minor, WQ 166, for example, was first a cello concerto. The G major concerto, WQ 169, was first an organ concerto.
Bach’s Concerto in D minor, WQ 22, was originally conceived as a flute concerto. But later on, Bach would transform it into an organ concerto.
Because of the interchangeability of solo instruments, these concertos don’t test the boundaries of the player. Rune Most never has to hit extreme highs or lows. But he is required to shape the music to bring out its beauty.
Bach wrote in the empfindsamer Stil, a reaction to the high Baroque. Fussy ornamentation was replaced with simple melodies and clean, smooth phrasing.
Most plays with a rich, smooth tone that adds to the warmth of the melodies. The Danish Sinfonietta directed by David Riddell provides ideal support. Their ensemble sound is light and transparent. And of course, the recorded sound is impeccable. Just what I expect in a Bridge Records release.
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: Flute Concertos
Rune Most, flute
The Danish Sinfonietta; David Riddell, conductor
Bridge Records 9565
