| Label: ANALEKTA Catalog: AN29767 Format: CD Dom Andre Laberge
Abbaye de St-Benoit-du-Lac1. Suite in C Minor, BWV 997 I. Praeludio
2. Suite in C Minor, BWV 997 II. Fuga
3. Suite in C Minor, BWV 997 III. Sarabande
4. Suite in C Minor, BWV 997 IV. Gigue
5. Suite in C Minor, BWV 997 V. Double (of the gigue)
6. Suite for the Lautenwerk in E Minor, BWV 996 I. Praeludio
7. Suite for the Lautenwerk in E Minor, BWV 996 II. Allemande
8. Suite for the Lautenwerk in E Minor, BWV 996 III. Courante
9. Suite for the Lautenwerk in E Minor, BWV 996 IV. Sarabande
10. Suite for the Lautenwerk in E Minor, BWV 996 V. Bourrée
11. Suite for the Lautenwerk in E Minor, BWV 996 VI. Gigue
12. Sonata in D minor, BWV 964 (after the Sonata for solo violin in A minor, BWV 1003) I. Adagio
13. Sonata in D minor, BWV 964 (after the Sonata for solo violin in A minor, BWV 1003) II. Fuga
14. Sonata in D minor, BWV 964 (after the Sonata for solo violin in A minor, BWV 1003) III. Andante
15. Sonata in D minor, BWV 964 (after the Sonata for solo violin in A minor, BWV 1003) IV. Allegro
16. Chaconne in G minor (after the Ciaccona from the Partita for solo violin in D minor, BWV 1004) Wholenote Discoveries - July/August 2011
If we needed reminding of the inventiveness, adaptability and wide-ranging influence of Bach’s music, this recording provides ample evidence. The four major works are pieces Bach wrote for instruments other than the harpsichord, including violin (A minor sonata, BWV 1003 and famous D minor Chaconne), lute (BWV 996) and a hybrid known as a “Lautenclavicymbel” (BWV 997). With the exception of the Chaconne - which has been transcribed especially for Laberge by Pierre Gouin – all of the transcriptions were made during Bach’s lifetime by his students. Paradoxically, the most convincing performance on the disc is of the least successful transcription. The solo violin sonata, BWV 1003, is a glorious work, full of contrapuntal and melodic interest. When transcribed for harpsichord, however, the sound alternates between being too thin or – when the “implied” harmonies of the violin are filled in – too thick and literal. Perhaps sensing this challenge, Laberge’s performance is brilliant, free and exciting, most particularly in the sensational fugue. This is in contrast to the somewhat careful and reserved approach to the rest of the material on the recording. Laberge’s 1987 Dowd harpsichord records well and its warm and majestic sound suits its classy and formal owner, who is the organist and Abbot at the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac in Quebec. Larry Beckwith Price: $16.98 |