Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: Concerti

The second in the Freiburger Barockorchester's series of recordings of selected orchestral works of the sons of J.S. Bach, this disc of four works by Carl Philipp Emanuel, the second oldest of his sons, provides a fascinating overview of his works. Three of the works -- the Cello Concerto of 1753, the Sinfonie in E minor of 1756, and the Oboe Concerto of 1765 -- come from his years working for Frederick the Great of Prussia in Berlin, and one -- the Harpsichord and Hammerklavier Concerto of 1788 -- comes from the last year of his life as an independent composer living in Hamburg. Taken all together, the tuneful Cello Concerto, the fiery Sinfonie, the graceful Oboe Concerto, and the altogether delightful Double Concerto form an appealing portrait of the composer, particularly in these elegant but heartfelt performances by the Freiburger Barockorchester. Under the confident leadership of concertmaster Gottfried von der Goltz, the ensemble turns in stylish and virtuosic performances. The four soloists are equally impressive -- cellist Kirstin von der Goltz through her big, warm tone; oboist Ann-Kathrin Bruggemann through her sweet, piquant tone; harpsichordist Michael Behringer with his delicate dexterity; and hammerklavierist Christine Schornsheim through her rhythmic flexibility. For fans of C.P.E Bach, this disc will be fascinating. For fans of late Baroque and early Classical music who don't already know C.P.E.'s music, it will be revelatory. Carus' sound is deep and detailed, but sometimes a bit clangorous in tuttis.