Christa Rakich - Bach: The Trio Sonatas (2008)

Like any of his works, the Trio Sonatas of J.S. Bach are subject to any number of interpretive differences, including instrumentation. This Loft Recordings album, featuring organist/harpsichordist Christa Rakich, takes a somewhat different approach to the six sonatas. Rather than performing them all on organ (for which they were originally scored), Rakich chose to diversify the chamber music experience by performing the Fourth and Fifth sonatas with a small consort of period instruments, which gives a completely different -- but always completely satisfying -- flavor to these two works. What's even more interesting is that for the remaining four sonatas plus the four preludes and fugues, Rakich plays on six entirely different organs. Each instrument is described in detail in the informative liner notes. The result is much like hearing the same conductor leading six completely diverse ensembles. Each of the organs has a unique, individual sound that Rakich chose specifically to match the characteristics of the pieces played on them. Despite the multiple venues, sound quality throughout the album is surprisingly consistent. Every organ sound is rich, full, and powerful without ever becoming distorted or overpowering at high volumes. The two sonatas transcribed for flute and/or strings and harpsichord are equally well-played and meticulously recorded. ~ Mike D. Brownell