Bach: Brandenburgische Konzerte

There’s a joyous forward drive to this recording of Bach’s Six Brandenburg Concertos—the fast outer movements displaying superb, alert musicianship from this crack German ensemble: sprightly strings (no. 3); rollicking, rustic horns (no. 1); and trumpet playing of the highest order (no. 2). And listen to the staggering opening movement of no. 5—solo violin and flute playing off each other as if in deep, animated conversation, the harpsichord cadenza a miracle of refined showmanship. There are many moments of restful beauty, too: The dreamy adagio of Concerto no. 6 pairs intricate part-writing with sublime elegance.