Brilliantly played and brilliantly recorded,
Rinaldo Alessandrini and the
Concerto Italiano's 1990 recording of three of
Bach's Harpsichord Concertos and the Triple Concerto is only missing one thing to make it a complete success. Unfortunately, that one thing is excitement.
Alessandrini has the technique to play even the cadenzas of the Concerto in D minor without dropping a note or breaking a sweat. The
Concerto Italiano has a light yet powerful tone and a wonderfully balanced ensemble that suits
Alessandrini's performances. The Op. 111's digital sound is deeper, clearer, warmer, and wider than nearly any other digital recording of the works. But for the listener with the preconception that the Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052, is diabolical; that the Concerto in F major, BWV 1057, is heavenly; that the Concerto in D major, BWV 1054, is exhilarating; or that the Triple Concerto, BWV 1064, is gloomy,
Alessandrini and the
Concerto Italiano's performances will be and brilliant nothing more.