Search - Jacques Loussier :: Bach: The Brandenburgs

Jacques Loussier
Bach: The Brandenburgs
Genres: International Music, Jazz, New Age, Pop

Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
1. I. (Allegro)
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Allegro
4. I. (Allegro)
5. II. Andante
6. III. Allegro Assasi
7. I. (Allegro)
8. II. Adagio
9. III. Allegro
10. I. Allegro
11. II. Andante
12. III. Presto
13. I. Allegro
14. II. Affettuoso
15. III. Allegro
16. I. (Allegro)
17. II. Allegro
18. III. Adagio Ma Non Troppo

CD Details

All Artists: Jacques Loussier
Title: Bach: The Brandenburgs
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Telarc
Original Release Date: 1/1/2006
Re-Release Date: 10/24/2006
Genres: International Music, Jazz, New Age, Pop
Styles: Europe, Continental Europe
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 089408364426, 0089408364426

Synopsis

Amazon.com

In bringing a sprightly jazz-trio sound to classical works, most notably by J.S. Bach, pianist Jacques Loussier has been dismissed as a lightweight popularizer by both hardcore jazz fans and serious classical enthusiasts. Yet he must be doing something right to be at it more than 45 years after founding his Play Bach Trio. Loussier's strategy in tackling all six of Bach's beloved Brandenburg Concertos, he said, involved "reducing his music to its essence" rather than elaborating on the musical texts as he once did. As ever, the notes are exceptionally clean and the rhythms neat, though bassist Benoit Dunoyer de Segonzac and drummer Andre Aprino give them a bit more oomph. Lo these decades after crossover ventures such as Dave Brubeck's "Blue Rondo a la Turk," and the Modern Jazz Quartet's superior Bachian delights, the jazz-meets-classical concept can be a bit dated. But Loussier's commitment to it can't be denied. --Lloyd Sachs

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CD Reviews

Lossy Compression

J. Brian Watkins | San Dimas, CA United States | 12/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Loussier and his trio have produced recordings of Bach that are absolutely mandatory. He has a gift for producing something between free improvisation and the original work that must be experienced. Yet in this recording his gift for going right to the heart and theme of the music takes away much of the power of the original Brandenburg concertos. He makes excellent music but the six hands of his trio are incapable of reproducing the staggering complexity of the Brandenburgs. These concertos are quite unlike Bach's concertos for solo instruments or even concertos for multiple keyboards--the Brandenburgs weave multiple themes each from a unique grouping of instruments. Of necessity, Loussier's trio homogenizes the work--complexity is the soul of Bach and in an interpretation that must, of necessity, compromise thematic elements, the soul of the concertos is lost.

Loussier's interpretations excel when he adds to the work being interpreted rather than simplifying the work as in this interpretation. When he takes a concerto for a solo instrument and adds the bass and drums the richness of Bach's original is preserved and highlighted in a new and intriguing way.

Still, even Loussier's less-successful work is head and shoulders above 99% of the feeble reinterpretations of the great master. Loussier understands Bach, loves Bach and provides an angle on Bach's music that should be part of any library; however, don't start with this one."

THAT was a Brandenburg?

William C. Aycock | Woodville, AL USA | 01/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have always loved the Brandenburgs, but this treatment is excellent. I first heard this in the car, and called to get the performer and CD ID. Listening where I could really pay attention was more rewarding. Lousssier has adapted Bach with flair, and made it new again. Bravo."

Nice version of the Brandenburgs

RK | 05/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album has some interesting arrangements in that using a jazz trio to perform the pieces is an intriguing concept. The performances are strong, and I have enjoyed the CD altogether. I think the idea holds up best in the faster, more energetic pieces like Tracks #3 and #13."