Bach. Lisa Batiashvili (violin). Deutsche Grammophon CD.
This is her first album to feature works by Bach and she decided to include not only the great Johann Sebastian, but also his son Carl Philip Emanuel, whose tercentenary of birth was this year.
The father's A minor solo Violin Sonata No. 2 BWV1003 proves admirably the soloist's dexterous and serious artistic abilities, played with precision but heartfelt emotion.
But the standout item on the programme is J. S. B.'s Double Concerto for Violin, Oboe Strings and Continuo, BWV1060R in a truly sublime, leisurely-paced performance that also employs her husband Francois Leleux, who is a top-class oboeist, assisted by the chamber orchestra of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
This shows the superb sounds and harmony of Bach being enriched by the elegant interplay of two great musicians.
In a world premiere recording of the famous contralto aria Erbarme Dich, mein Gott from the St Matthew Passion, (transcribed as a Sinfonia for violin, oboe and orchestra) the talented couple again delight in duet with beautifully pure tones. Leleux plays an oboe d-amore in glorious fashion.
C. P. E. Bach's Trio Sonata for Flute, Violin and Continuo in B minor also gets its first recording, showing it is also a beautiful work, pairing the melodious violin with Emmanuel Pahud's fine mastery on modern flute and Peter Kofler (harpsichord).
The album is well recorded, with an interesting booklet about the ''family get-together'' - both Bach's and Batiashvili's.
Highlight: Bach at his best, beautifully played.
