Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

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Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

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Very few conductors have recorded as much Bach as Karl Richter, and none can lay a stronger claim to a legacy based on championing the master. Throughout his prolific though sadly short life (he died at age 54 from a heart attack, though the devoted still steadfastly attribute the burgeoning original-instrument movement for breaking his heart) Richter always returned to Bach and rarely recorded (or performed) the music of other composers. Richter’s reverence for Bach is evinced by the simplicity, splendor, and grandeur with which he consistently imbued his performances. Richter understood that the profound underlying architecture of Bach’s music was critical to its appreciation, enjoyment, and yes, power. As a long-standing Richter fan, I couldn’t be more overjoyed to see these benchmark Archiv performances reissued again (the fourth time for the Brandenburg’s!).

The first CD of this three-disc set begins with a performance of Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 that superbly exemplifies Richter’s remarkable intuitive grasp of Bach’s language. To get an idea of just how ahead of his time Richter was, compare the timing of his first movement (whose “brisk tempos” the Penguin Guide went out of its way to condemn when the cycle was first released in 1987) with the contemporary original-instrument account by Musica Antiqua Köln directed by Reinhard Goebel. Richter’s 1967 modern-instrument performance is two seconds slower. The man was no slouch; he understood that in Bach’s day this was contemporary orchestral music whose success required vitality as well as authority.

I could go on and cite many more highlights, such as Richter’s fiery gestural treatment of the fifth movement Rejouissance of the Fourth orchestral suite, or the brilliant subtlety he elicits from his fellow soloists in the central Adagio, ma non tanto, e dolce of the triple concerto for flute, violin, and harpsichord; but then there is rarely a moment throughout all of these performances where I’m not equally enthusiastic. And rarely will you hear performances of these eminent masterpieces so utterly heartfelt and intelligently conceived.

Archiv’s outstanding newly remastered transfers perfectly complement the musical strengths of these performances. While there is a distinct improvement in the overall weight and balance of the ensemble, you can still hear occasional knob-twisting–but unfortunately that was the norm for Archiv at the time. Stefan Siegert’s notes are erudite and entertaining. This is cornerstone Bach that should not be missed.

Review by John Greene, ClassicsToday

Karl Richter’s recordings of Bach’s orchestral and sacred music influenced an entire generation of musicians and listeners, presenting the conductor’s unique sound and style. When Richter recorded Bach’s works, he freed them from a ponderous tradition that had mired the music in romantic sounds and idiom. Richter lightened Bach’s music, and, with an orchestra of outstanding musicians, helped bring it toward the more modern interpretations that listeners have become familiar with today. This is still a bit far from the historically-informed performances that are pretty much the norm, but there is a unity and natural originality that comes through the music in these recordings.

This set includes Richter’s excellent recordings of the Brandenburg concertos, the Orchestral Suites, and the Triple Concerto for flute, violin, harpsichord and strings. In the Brandenburgs, Richter provides a light, airy sound for the strings, very different from what was common in the 1960s. His tempi, relatively quick, give the music vigour it had not known perhaps for some 200 years. The instruments take their rightful place here as soloists in an ensemble, and the balance among them is exemplary. Rare indeed, even today, are the conductors who manage to play the Second Concerto with such joy and brio as Richter. Each instrument - the trumpet, the flute, and the oboe - stands out perfectly in the first movement, with its brilliantly lively tempo. The contrast of the second movement, andante, is excellent, and the trumpet shines again as the third movement opens, in this delightful performance.

Richter’s Orchestral Suites are much denser than the Brandenburgs, and the tempi more "standard". He reads these more as symphonies than suites, but, then again, he puts his own imprimatur on the music. They sound a bit too German, and not French enough for my taste, but one cannot ignore that these performances are full of deep spirit and thought.

All in all, this is a first class set, and one which deserves its place in the history of Bach recordings. It is great to see that Archiv has re-released these recordings in their Originals series. While this is not the "best" recording of these works (is it even possible to consider that any recording of them could be perfect?), it is beautiful and moving. At this mid-price, this is certainly worth owning for fans of Bach and those who appreciate Richter’s unique style.

Review by Kirk McElhearn, MusicWeb-International

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Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

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Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

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Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

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Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

Close

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Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

Close

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Munchner Bach Orchester, Karl Richter - J.S.Bach: Brandenburg Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Triple Concerto (2002) 3CDs

Close