Johann Sebastian Bach Guitar Transcriptions Enno Voorhorst NAXOS 8.555369, 2023 Grade: B+
Enno Voorhorst brings a mischievous twist to Bach’s venerable catalog, turning the icon’s intricate lines meant for flute and violin into the warm embrace of guitar strings. While some purists might clutch their pearls, this reimagining beckons a broader audience—a flavorful jamboree of Baroque modulations that’s as accessible as a pop hit from the ‘70s. Call it Bach for the masses, served with an inviting melody rather than a stifling wig.
But let’s not confuse accessibility with expedience; Voorhorst’s playing peels back the layers of both Bach’s genius and the guitar’s own potential. One might imagine the old master tapping his foot to the steady rhythms of a modern coffeehouse, though this ride isn’t without bumps. A few moments stumble into a quagmire of over-sentimentality. Still, it’s hard to resist when the result feels less like a museum piece and more like a spirited jam session—yes, Bach might approve of a little improvisation now and then.
