Bach Suite and Concertos

The Arion Baroque Orchestra celebrated its 20th anniversary with this release that brings just about everyone to the solo stand to play Bach, and the harpsichord is particularly in the spotlight.

The Orchestral Suite No. 1 is scored for two oboes and bassoon along with strings and continuo.  A double concerto for two harpsichords and a triple concerto for flute, violin and harpsichord are here.

And the famous Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 is the one in which the harpsichord really gets to shine.  In 1719, Bach was employed at the court at Köthen, but he yearned for a harpsichord made by one of the best in Europe, Michael Mietke of the royal court in Berlin.  One was ordered, and finally it arrived, the most beautiful instrument for miles around.  Its debut featured this concerto, in which the continuo harpsichordist gets to show off his skills and his keyboard with impunity.

Arion’s signature delicate yet solid sound brings us a true celebration of Bach.  And we can thank conductor Jaap ter Linden for crystallizing a sense of joy that every participant has brought to these performances.  Listen, too, for Baroque oboe specialist Washington McClain, who is also principal oboist for our own Washington Bach Consort, directed by its founder J. Reilly Lewis.