John Smyth writes:

>Hoping for a Kirshbaum-esque/HIP epiphany regarding the Sonatas and
>Partitas, I have been combing the Gramophone data base for positive
>reviews of HIP recordings.  Can anyone second the magazine's positive
>review of Monica Huggett's performance on Virgin?  And what of Rachel
>Podger's? (Vol. I, with Vol II projected?

I can't work up much enthusiasm for Huggett's recording which I find
rather eccentric and choppy.  I much prefer Podger's two separately
released cd's; the second volume came out in the U.S.  at a least a few
months ago.  The best HIP recording I have comes from Lucy van Dael on
Naxos; it's a gorgeous and incisive performance (also on two separate
cd's).  Since the price can't be beat, this is a fantastic purchase.

Although I have not heard it, Arte Nova recently issued a 2-cd set of the
Sonatas and Partitas for Violin performed by Benjamin Schmid.  The set
received a glowing review in the July Gramophone, although the performance
might well not be in the HIP mode.

>Finally, I am looking for a midprice introduction to the most popular
>Bach Cantatas.  I am very interested in a L'Oiseau-Lyre reissue featuring
>Joshua Rifkin and company.

I bought the Rifkin recordings when they first came out quite a few
years ago; my admiration and love of these recordings just grows with
time.  At mid-price, they are a steal.  What's so good about them? First,
the conducting is thoroughly idiomatic and beautifully paced.  Second,
the vocal soloists are better than the norm from Gardiner or Suzuki.
Third, the one part per voice approach is done so well by Rifkin and
his performing forces; it provides an intimacy which is a wonder to
behold without scrimping on power or drive.  These are not mushy or weak
performances.  Fourth, the sound is fabulous.  A year or two ago, I would
have recommended Herreweghe as a general first choice in Bach cantatas.
More intensive listening and listening to different versions one after
another have convinced me that Rifkin is my first choice.

Although John and I have differed on many musical issues, I do note that
we share a love for Bach and also for some very fine more recent composers
such as Novak, Suk, and Schreker.  There isn't much to lose by going for
the Rifkin set, and the potential gains could well be tremendous.

Don Satz
[log in to unmask]