Sunday 17 February 2008

Three Bach unaccompanied works in a row, and I enjoyed them right to the end (first sonata, first partita, second sonata). The violinist was Lara St. John in a new 2007 recording of the six works. Lara in Bach has impeccable rhythmic sense, an assured technique, a very welcome broad palette of sound and dynamics, and a real sense of enjoyment. One feels JSB would nod his approval and tap his feet.
Well, for classical poise and impeccable taste, there is Milstein. But for an enjoyable traversal, there is now also Lara. An excellent set (though I have not yet reached the second disc).

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I thought that she did not make an impact since Sony took her over in the Re: Bach album. I'm surprised that she cut the Bach S&P. I heard a movement of the VC 1 (3rd mvt) - sounds very good. Really lively playing from Lara.

Sony recording, Harry?

Recently - I got the Martzy S&P. Your comments, Harry on this one.

On Milstein, you like the EMI or the DG version more?

Harry Collier said...

No, not Sony. The old big companies are pretty well dead for new classical recordings. It's a small Californian or Canadian label. Very well recorded and very well produced with exemplary and extensive notes. And enjoyable playing.

For Martzy: it's a good, reliable classic of the 1950s but somehow it now sounds a bit dated (and over-reverential besides Lara).

For Milstein: I have both the EMI / Capitol and the DG, but always listen to the DG since the Capitol transfer sound is bad. But Milstein didn't vary too much over the years.