Bach C.P.E. - Concertos for Flute, Oboe, Harp Solo - Nicolet, Holliger, Zinman, Leppard

Release Date: 01/17/1995 Label: Philips Duo Number of discs: 2 Composer: CPE Bach Performer: Nicolet, Holliger, Zinman, Leppard cd info/ buy

Review: Another very generous Duo from Philips combines the four flute concertos of C. P. E.. Bach (E flat, Wq165; A minor, Wq166; B flat, Wq167; A, Wq168) with the oboe concertos in B flat, Wq164 and E flat, Wq165. As a double bonus we are given the Sonata (Solo) in G minor for oboe and continuo (here harp and cello) and the Sonata (solo) in G for harp, Wq 139. Virtually all the concertos exist in alternative versions for cello and keyboard: the arrangement of the flute concertos was made especially for Frederick the Great. Aurele Nicolet, their soloist, uses a modern instrument pleasingly enough, but the effect with a rather heavy string accompaniment from David Zinman and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra makes less of the music than some rival versions. This Duo issue also offers Heinz Holliger's estimable account of the oboe concertos, of which the E flat was probably originally written for this instrument. Here Raymond Leppard's accompaniments with the ECO are characteristically stylish. In fact these are flawless performances, as are those of the little Sonata in G minor and the engaging Harp Solo in G (Ursula Holliger). The excellent recording given to these latter works makes this a value-for-money set----in spite of the inclusion of the less than fully recommendable flute concerto.--Gramophone

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