Cecilia Bernardini, Dunedin Consort & John Butt - Bach: Violin Concertos (2016)

Dunedin Consort's formidable reputation for performing Bach is set to scale new heights with this highly anticipated recording. Dutch-Italian violinist Cecilia Bernardini takes a break from leader duties as she steps into the spotlight to deliver a virtuoso performance under the direction of Bach specialist John Butt OBE. Opening the program is the colourful and joyful concerto for violin and oboe (Alfredo Bernardini oboe) with its supremely lyrical central movement. Two of Bach's solo violin concertos, each overflowing with inventive detail, and the Sinfonia with solo oboe that opens Cantata 21, follow. The program culminates in one of Bach's greatest masterpieces - the Double Concerto for two violins (Huw Daniel violin), with its famous and sublime slow movement. Although Bach was most famous as an organist and keyboard player, he was also a fine violinist; his idiomatic writing and characteristic flair is evident in the many dazzling moments he creates. The Dunedin Consort has established a reputation as one of the leading exponents of historical performance, under the direction of prize-winning historical performance specialist John Butt OBE. The multi-award-winning Dunedin Consort has won praise for its inquisitive approach, shining new light into some of the best known pieces of the Baroque repertoire. In addition to a GRAMMY nomination, Dunedin Consort has won two Gramophone Awards: the 2007 'Baroque Vocal' Award for Handel: Messiah and the 2014 'Choral' Award for Mozart: Requiem. Dunedin Consort's first instrumental release, J.S. Bach: Six Brandenburg Concertos, was named Gramophone 'Choice' and awarded five stars by both BBC Music Magazine and The Guardian.