| Fabrizio d'Auria said:
It is my pleasure to add the name of Rinaldo Alessandrini to the list of Bach performers in this web page. I believe this recording is a very valuable addition to those already available and sheds new, fresh light on some of the Master's best known compositions. It is impossible to listen to the initial theme of BWV 1052 with its carefully shaped dynamics and phrasing (just listen to the last two "staccato" chords of the "tutti" before the soloist comes in) without being shaken. The momentum imparted to the concerto by Alessandrini and his group is irresistible. I find it both exhilarating and moving. This is not only due to the tempos that are brisk but never hurried, but to the extremely coherent vision of the interpretation: masterful.
BWV 1057 is a parody of the Fourth Brandeburg. The second movement is played "unequal", that is a dotted rhythm is played even though it is not written in the score: this is not an arbitrary rhythmic distortion but a common practice of the period: the resulting delicate, dance-like character of the movement enhances the French "bergerie" flavor of the movement. I find it lovely, but I realize it may not be to everybody's taste. Equally beautiful are the renditions of BWV 1054 (a parody of the violin concerto BWV 1042) and of the triple concerto 1044, a piece not heard too often.
In general, the sound of the strings is warm and slightly "dark" (it just seems to match the colors of the Chardin painting on the CD cover) and Alessandrini's harpsichord is beautifully present but not too "over-miked" (unlike so many other recordings).
Finally, the booklet notes are short but excellent.
One last remark: Opus 111 CD's are imported and cost a little bit more than regular CD's, but they are usually worth the extra money. | 
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