In a nod to 18th century German rulers who coveted Italy's finest artistic offerings, French violinist Amandine Beyer has skillfully woven together two disc sets - 'Gli Incogniti/Beyer' – a captivating tribute to Bach's Italic influences and works by Italian composers. This ingenious collection juxtaposes transcriptions of Bach's compositions inspired by the likes of Vivaldi and Marcello, alongside the masterpieces themselves.
The programming is meticulously crafted, allowing listeners to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between Bach's works influenced by Italian originals and those originating from Italy. The connections, though sometimes tenuous, are undeniably compelling. For instance, Vivaldi's concerto for four violins can be directly linked to Bach's concerto for four harpsichords, showcasing an intriguing historical pathway.
Gli Incogniti and Beyer deliver spirited performances that radiate an irresistible sense of lightness, transporting listeners to the realm of fantasy embodied by Vivaldi's D minor concerto for two violins and cello. Alessandro Marcello's sprightly oboe concerto also finds a worthy counterpart in Bach's transcribed version.
Among the highlights lies the effervescent rendering of three Brandenburg concertos, their performances imbued with an unmatched vitality that has the listener yearning for more. By meticulously interweaving these pieces, Beyer succeeds in creating an enchanting experience – an immersive homage to the extraordinary musical connections between Bach and Italy's greatest composers.
The programming is meticulously crafted, allowing listeners to appreciate the symbiotic relationship between Bach's works influenced by Italian originals and those originating from Italy. The connections, though sometimes tenuous, are undeniably compelling. For instance, Vivaldi's concerto for four violins can be directly linked to Bach's concerto for four harpsichords, showcasing an intriguing historical pathway.
Gli Incogniti and Beyer deliver spirited performances that radiate an irresistible sense of lightness, transporting listeners to the realm of fantasy embodied by Vivaldi's D minor concerto for two violins and cello. Alessandro Marcello's sprightly oboe concerto also finds a worthy counterpart in Bach's transcribed version.
Among the highlights lies the effervescent rendering of three Brandenburg concertos, their performances imbued with an unmatched vitality that has the listener yearning for more. By meticulously interweaving these pieces, Beyer succeeds in creating an enchanting experience – an immersive homage to the extraordinary musical connections between Bach and Italy's greatest composers.