This recording is a grouping of various compositions by J.S. Bach, which are not solely dedicated to the trumpet, but provide some of the most demanding repertoire for the instrument prior to the nineteenth century.
Although none of the pieces was originally conceived to take advantage of the instrument, they do require the trumpet player to understand that the virtuosity needed must also be balanced with the chamber-like partnerships demanded of Baroque concerti and vocal-type lyricism. Alison Balsom is a rising star on both Baroque and modern trumpets, and her recent debuts have many composers writing and dedicating compositions for her to perform.
Featured compositions include the Concerto in D (after Vivaldi) BWV 972; the Sarabande and Gigue from the Cello Suite No. 2 BWV 1008; the Aria variata in A minor (Italian Variations) BWV 989; the Gigue from the Violin Partita No. 3 BWV 1006; the Trio Sonata in C BWV 529; the Concerto in C minor (after Marcello) BWV 974; Bist du bei mir from the Anna Magdalena Notebook BWV 508; the Concerto in C BWV 1055; the Badinerie from the Orchestral Suite No. 2 BWV 1067; and the Agnus Dei from the Mass in B minor BWV 232. Each of these pieces is performed with remarkable agility, and the small ensemble that accompanies Ms. Balsom provides crisp and exact continuo accompaniment that focuses attention on the trumpet. Overall, this is a very nice recording of Baroque trumpet music featuring compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Dr. Brad Eden
University of Nevada, Las Vegas