|
This perfectly genial
disc contains the "restored" oboe concerti, or in my own
words "retro-transcribed" concerti. The scores of these
works exist only in the form of harpsichord concerti, which Bach
scholars believe were in fact transcriptions from their original
form (written for the oboe, as well as other likely candidates such
as the violin).
 All
of Bach's concerti are brilliant jewels of melodic inspiration,
and I think regular readers of the Inkpot need no introduction to
the music (nevertheless, check out the various links here for more
information).
If
anything, the choice here to use modern instruments, a la
Rilling, only serves to further sweeten - creamify if you
will allow me - this wonderful music. Ingo Goritzki's oboe voice
is smooth and direct, sweet when necessary, articulate in the fast
music. The heavenly slow movements are perfumed with tenderness,
emphasised further by Goritzki's preference for legato rather than
clear staccato. An example of this is the absolutely exquisite Adagio
of BWV1056R (sigh of contentment here).
But
to be honest, this is not to my own personal taste. I am too spoilt
by the period instrument school - as far as Baroque music is concerned,
I prefer the woody tang of the Baroque oboe, rather than the vanilla
sweetness of the modern oboe. Sometimes, in fact, the modern instrument
sounds rather too shrill for this music. In addition, there is a
distinct loss of character when these scores are played on a modern
instrument. Having said that, the use of an oboe d'amore in the
perky BWV1055R has my approval. Call me picky (which I am).
The
ensemble follows Goritzki's legato-ish style faithfully. It is all
very pleasant, but I would prefer more energy and drive to the fast
movements. If you compare this to Hännsler's excellent series
of the Harpsichord Concerti played by Robert Levin  ,
it's quite obvious that two different styles are at work here. This
in itself is a noteworthy reflection on the fact that the oboe is
better suited for legato phrasing, whereas the harpsichord can only
staccato, so to speak. And interestingly, the orchestra and conductor
are the same on this disc and the harpsichord concerti sets - but
the interpretational styles sound worlds apart.
Taking
the music on abstract terms (as pure notes), I must say I prefer
the harpsichord versions/Levin, rather than this oboe set. If I
must choose a retro-transcribed disc of these works for oboe, my
loyalty remains with the older series made by the Veritas label
in the mid-1990s ,
on authentic instruments.
The
problem of this disc, in terms of interpretation, is that all the
works are performed in more or less the same tone. No, this should
not be the case. The F major concerto is light and airy; the A major
is the epitomy of sunniness, and yet this performance is - also
light and airy; the G minor can be aristocratic and serious, and
yet here it sounds - light and airy. The last two pieces are in
Bach's great D minor - but again, the interpretation here simply
falls short of that distinctive Bachian sense of purposefulness.
There isn't enough kick and ornate angularity - this music
can and should dance - but here everything is just a smooth stream
of soft light sounds. It all sounds the same - which is one of the
more common pitfalls of Baroque oboe albums, I'm afraid.
The
recording was made in late 1999/early 2000, and benefits from Hännsler's
usual high standards. Nevertheless, I find the soloist somewhat
over-dominant, the strings relatively meek, and the harpsichord
continuo barely discernible.
In
conclusion, these are fine performances which are not to my taste,
interpretationally speaking. Try the Harpsichord Concerti, seriously,
even if you're an oboist.
CHIA
HAN-LEON did manage a loud C on an oboe once. But the keys were
just too small for the clarinettist that he is.
If you wish to
Add a Comment to this article, please email your comments to classical@inkpot.com.
745: 1.8.2000 ©Chia
Han-Leon
All
original texts are copyrighted. Please seek permission from the
Classical Editor
if you wish to reproduce/quote Inkpot material.
|
