Bach: 3 Oboe Concertos

Excellent music, great recording

I was somewhat concerned buying this that a disc full of oboe music might get annoying, but I was looking to expand my Bach collection, so I figured it was worth a try.

While the oboe certainly is the featured instrument, there are plenty of passages sans oboe, with the strings and harpsichord playing. Even so, the oboe parts are performed masterfully, and the sound is most pleasant.

The compositions are not particularly memorable to me -- I don't find myself whistling the Bach oboe concertos after listening to the album a few times -- but they are great examples of the baroque genre no less. I personally find this album good to study and program with, though I don't get a lot of interest out of listening to it standalone. Your mileage may vary. January 18, 2008

Outstanding CD by an outstanding oboist

I have been an enormous fan of Heinz Holliger since, well, since I can remember. I consider him THE premier oboist in the world, even to this day. Part of my interest in the oboe stems from Mr. (or more accurately Herr) Holliger.

This is a fantastic recording. If you appreciate the oboe, you will nearly weep with the steady control of his trills and fluidity of his notes. When I play it sounds like a load of distressed ducks trying not to get plunked by the huntsman's shotgun. That being said, Herr Holliger plays the oboe like a musical instrument and a beautiful one at that. What more can you say?

If you a) appreciate the artistry of Heinz Holliger, b) appreciate the mastery of musical composition genius of Johann Sebatian Bach or c) like the oboe, you CANNOT go wrong with this CD. J.S. Bach is in my top 5 composers along with Brahms, Dvorak, Beethoven and Schubert.

I repeat myself, you CANNOT go wrong with this CD!!!!! If I could give it 6 stars, I would. I was listening to it in the car on the way to work this morning! May 17, 2006

Beautiful and elegant

I knew by the time the Siciliano from the Concert in F had begun that this was going to be one of those recordings that I would never grow tired of. This Philips release is that rare musical occurance where everything is ideal...Bach's oboe concertos, Academy of St. Martin with Iona Brown, and Heinz Holliger's heart filling phrases ...not to mention full warm emersive sound engineering. If for no other reason, purchase this CD just to own a deeply satisfying instance of superb musical and technical virtuosity. December 26, 2005

Crisp, sweet artistry

While an afictionado of recordings by Baroque orchestras using period instruments, and a harpsichordist and gambist and recorder player myself, Holliger's recording with the Academy of SMF is truly wonderful. His tone is always steady and nuanced; the orchestra has a very warm and pleasing sound as well.

The recording of the oboe d'amore concerto was what led me to the disc, and it didn't disappoint me. It is such a lovely piece, and Holliger's phrasing and nuance is perfect in this as well as the other two concertos.

I wonder how he plays the third mvt. of the d minor concerto...he must be using circular breathing! It sounds impressive. I highly recommend this disc, one of my favorite Bach recordings and probably my favorite that uses modern instruments. March 24, 2005

The work of a true virtuoso

Heinz Holliger is truly one of the few oboists in the world who can be considered a virtuoso. His mastery of the instrument and extreme control over difficult passages is no less that amazing. He makes everything sound easy. Many people have criticized his tone; however, I think it is still a good sound. I prefer a darker, richer sound of the American school, but this Swiss is still doing a great job in the tone department. In this recording, Holliger simply blows you away with his technical mastery and smooth phrasing. These virtuosic Bach concertos are very difficult yet pose no problem for him. Truly a great recording of these beautiful concertos. The oboe d'amore concerto is a nice addition as well. August 17, 2001

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