Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, David Zinman - J.C. Bach: Complete Symphonies Opp. 6, 9, 18 (2011)

Youngest son of J.S. Bach, Johann Christian Bach rose to prominence in England during the early Classical period much the same as his father dominated the German Baroque. His writing was influenced by his father, of course, but also by the fashions being explored by Haydn. J.C. Bach also served as a bridge to Mozart, whose work and early writings were also influenced by the junior Bach. A total of 15, three-movement symphonies were published under Opp. 6, 9, and 18. These works are filled with fresh, energetic optimism, the only exception being the stormy, tumultuous Symphony Op. 6/6 in G minor, the only one of the 15 to be written in the minor mode. Bach's choice of instruments varied, from symphonies using only strings to the addition of winds and ultimately to the grand "double orchestra" employed in Op. 18. This Newton disc is a two-disc reissue of David Zinman's early 1970s recordings of the complete symphonies with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. The playing is sublimely well-balanced; every note from every instrument is impeccably clear. Zinman's vision for the symphonies is highly energetic, driven, and vivacious. The inner movements are executed with the utmost delicacy and refinement while the fast outer movements are tossed off controlled effervescence. Newton's remastered sound is full and detailed, capturing the spirit in the original performances.