Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Performers: Alison Crum (Viola da Gamba), Laurence Cummings (Harpsichord)
Recording Date: November 1999
Record Label and Number: SIGNUM SIGCD024
Tracklist: Sonata in G major, BWV 1027 [13.24], Prelude and Fugue in G major, BWV 860 [4.19], Sonata in D major, BWV 1028 [14.28], Prelude and Fugue in D major, BWV 850 [3.55], Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029 [15.03], Prelude and Fugue in G minor, BWV 861 [4.03]
Total Duration: 55.12
In SIGNUM’s CD release of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord, including Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, one cannot but marvel at the prowess of Alison Crum and Laurence Cummings as they breathe life into these timeless classics.
Crum, wielding the viola da gamba, and Cummings at the harpsichord, form an elegant partnership, navigating through Bach’s intricate melodies and harmonic complexities with considerable ease and aplomb. Their performances manage to encapsulate and convey Bach’s profound musical language expertly, providing listeners with an experience both engaging and enlightening.
The Sonatas, in their commendable dexterity and articulation, truly shine on this CD. Crum commands the pitch-rich and mellow sonority of the viola da gamba to a captivating effect. Meanwhile, Cummings’ execution of the harpsichord parts portray an enviable level of control and balance, adding a pleasing complement to Crum’s resonating viola da gamba.
In the included Preludes and Fugues of the Well-Tempered Clavier Book I, the duo again demonstrate their versatility, unearthing the depth and sophistication of Bach’s counterpoint with precision and a clear understanding of the Baroque stylistic sensibilities. Bach’s pieces, inherently demanding in their technical and interpretational scope, are handled with great professionalism and dynamic range.
Recorded in 1999, the audio quality of the CD is modern and clear, allowing the listener the intimate experience of every note, every dynamic shift, every tonal change. The recording engineer deserves much credit for this.
In conclusion, this CD offering from SIGNUM delivers a worthwhile listening journey through some of Bach’s renowned works. The instrumental command and the musical understanding exhibited by Alison Crum and Laurence Cummings testify to their calibre and dedication towards their craft. Hence, this CD will certainly find a rightful place among the collections of classical music lovers and Bach aficionados alike. The combination of elegant performance and fine recording quality make it an essential acquisition.
