Bach – Reconstructions and
Transcriptions for Strings
Furor Musicus; Antoinette Lohmann
Edition Lilac 110910-2
editionlilac.com
When I first learned of this disc, I had it in my mind that it was no more than a compilation of Bach arrangements along the lines of those overly lush and romantic versions as orchestrated by Leopold Stokowski c.1958. On the contrary, nothing could be further from the truth on this Edition Lilac label CD titled Reconstructions and Transcriptions for Strings with music by the Leipzig cantor stylishly presented by Furor Musicus under the direction of Antoinette Lohmann.
Formed by Lohmann in 2008, Furor Musicus comprises a group of Dutch musicians who have all played together in various other ensembles over the years and who wished to continue to perform music from the Baroque period. This is a delightful disc featuring four works, the Orchestral Suite No. 2 BWV1067, a short fugue, the Concerto BWV1053 and seven movements from the famous Goldberg Variations, all the pieces in the form of reconstructions or transcriptions that could have existed for strings.
Lohmann points out that the suite — most often heard performed by flute and strings — was probably based on an earlier work written a whole tone lower and conceived for strings alone. With all due respect to flutists, this interpretation is utterly convincing, the ensemble achieving a wonderful sense of poise and transparency. On the other hand, the concerto is most often heard performed by keyboard, although Bach’s original intentions remain unclear. Nevertheless, Lohmann’s skilful and elegant performance on the viola in the solo part seems very natural, and that Bach was a violist himself makes for a convincing argument that he may well have intended this concerto for his own use. The two remaining pieces — the short Fugue BWV539 and seven movements from the Goldberg Variations— are both transcriptions, and once again demonstrate a keen affinity for the music and further proof that under Lohmann’s careful direction a baroque string ensemble is a viable means of enjoying this well-known fare.
