Symphonies Concertantes, Vol. 5.

J.C. Bach: Symphonies Concertantes, Vol. 5. Anthony Halstead, the Hanover Band. CPO 999 628-2.

The title "Symphonie Concertante" may remind some people of the form's predecessor, the Concerto Grosso, or the form's successor, today's "Concerto." But, in fact, it differs from both. It is much lighter in weight and tone than the former and does not emphasize individual instruments as much as the latter. Johann Christian Bach, one of the multitudinous J.S. Bach children, was considered the leading exponent of genre, and this disc features three such works, the Symphonies Concertantes in C major, D major, and E-flat major, all composed probably some time in the late 1760s (the manuscripts, only one of which is in Bach's own hand, are not dated).

The first Concertante on the program is scored with emphasis on two violins and cello; the second with emphasis on two flutes, two violins, and cello; and the third with emphasis on two oboes, two horns, two violins, two violas, and cello. You can see from these descriptions that they hardly have time for more than passing concentration on any single instruments. Yet they are charming through and through, most particularly the first movement of the C major work, and they certainly deserve the attention they're getting from CPO.

This is about the fourth CPO recording I've reviewed of J.C. Bach played by Anthony Halstead and his period-instruments Hanover Band and possibly the fifth or sixth I've listened to. It seems like each time I hear a new one, I like it better than the last. The sound continues to be smooth and natural, the acoustic realistic, and the playing delightfully polished. If you have been impressed with any of Halstead's previous work in this field, feel safe with this one as well. It may be the best yet.