Erik Bosgraaf, Cordevento - J.S. Bach: Recorder Concertos (2011)

A new recording of Erik Bosgraaf, one of the most original, versatile and innovative recorder players of the moment, winner of the Borletti-Buitoni Trust.

The dynamic range and emotional impact of his playing is phenomenal.The instrument in his hands is like an extension of the human voice, speaking and articulating the musical language.

Previous recordings of Bosgraaf include Vivaldi Concertos, Handel sonatas and the Renaissance collection Des Fluyten Lusthof (by Van Eyck).

Although Bach clearly felt at home composing for the recorder, featuring it in major works including the Brandenburg Concertos and several cantatas, he never composed a concerto for solo recorder – in fact, he only wrote original solo concertos for harpsichord and violin. However, an examination of Bach’s compositional practices reveals that it was customary during his era to adapt or reuse musical material in new compositions. Taking this into consideration, the creators of this recording have drawn on a range of sources to answer the question of how a solo recorder concerto by Bach might have sounded. The disc includes four full recorder concertos, based on material taken from existing harpsichord concertos and cantata movements, which Bach himself often reused or transcribed for different instrumentation. It closes with an organ prelude adapted for recorder and strings.

The recordings are accompanied by extensive booklet notes, which outline the sources used in the construction of this repertoire and reveal an interesting dimension of Bach’s compositional practice – his approach to reusing and adapting musical material. These recordings are brought to life by compelling performances from Erik Bosgraaf and Ensemble Cordevento, performed on a range of recorders and period instruments. Displaying an imaginative yet thorough approach to the repertoire, this disc is a fascinating examination of how Bach might have approached writing large-scale works for the recorder and is recommended to any listeners interested in his concertos.

Unique recorder adaptations of Bach’s concertos and cantata movements.

Performed on period instruments.