Johann Sebastian BachViolin Concertos 1041-1042, Double Concertos 1060-1043
Grumiaux, Holliger, Krebbers, Les Solistes Romands, Gerecz, New Philharmonic Orchestra, de Waart
Decca 420 700-2
This is a must for all Bach admirers. I first encountered these performances when I was about fifteen years old - my parents had the vinyl disc (which, incidentally, did not include the concerto for violin and oboe, added here as a bonus & featuring Heinz Holliger). At that time, baroque music did not appeal to me very much, but somehow the seeds were sown... and after a few years of more or less involuntary exposure, I found myself falling head over heels in love with this music.
As always, Grumiaux's playing is a perfect delight for the ear - he seemed to have an uncanny ability to find just the right balance between classical restraint and romantic expressiveness, which suits this music very well indeed. The slow movements (particularly that of the E minor concerto) emerge as some of the most beautiful music ever written, filled with a sense of nobility and wonder; whilst the allegros are spun off with tremendous verve. For the double concerto, Grumiaux is joined by Hermann Krebbers, and the interplay between the two could hardly have been more perfect, especially in the finale which gathers enough forward momentum to leave your mind reeling long after the last chords have faded.
The recording comes from the late seventies, and has a kind of warm, wooden sonority to it that brings to mind a mature, full-bodied wine - and, if I'm allowed to extend the analogy, these performances are of a quality vintage that only seems to get better and better with age. Plus that they are at their best when enjoyed in good company!
All in all, a desert island disc if ever there was one. Even if you have other versions, you should give Grumiaux a listen, as this is really exceptional.
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