This CD, the last in MDG’s series of Bach solo concertos, presents works that exist in more than one version or instrumentation. In some cases, as with the E major violin concerto, it is the final and more familiar version that is heard, and in other cases it is the earlier one, as in the first version of the Brandenburg No. 5. The works are played by a chamber ensemble, one to a part–string quintet plus harpsichord for the most part, with soloists added. The instrumentalists phrase well, have no technical limitations, and ultimately produce very attractive performances. The sound, however, is over-reverberant, and though it is a warm, thrilling sonic wash, details are obscured. This is particularly true in the harpsichord concertos where the top line of the solo part at times is difficult to distinguish. The flute and violin have a better time carrying over the intimate din, and the reading of the violin concerto, in particular, is quite attractive. But clarity and balance are a must in a Bach recording, and too much of the time those are simply lacking in this well-intentioned effort.
