Biggs, the BSO brass and Bach! During the 50's and 60's, organist E Power Biggs made a number of recordings with members of the Boston Symphony, introducing much repertoire of the baroque period to American audiences. This recording features music of Bach and several contemporaries, mostly chorale preludes and such. The full program is included in the download.
The BSO brass section was a very, very good one, anchored by two of the best, and more celebrated orchestral trumpeters of their time: Roger Voisin and Armando Ghitalla. Though very different players in style, Voisin being the epitome of the French sound and Ghitalla the more warmer "American" style, the pair did complement each other rather well. Many readers might be familiar that with the story of how Leinsdorf demoted Voisin in his efforts to dismantle the BSO's long time "French" sound. It was often said that the best French orchestra in the world was the BSO!
Make no mistake, these pioneering efforts on behalf of Biggs, Voisin et al...paved the way for later musicians and opened up the eyes and ears of concert goers to the many major and minor masters of the Baroque and early classical periods. A debt of gratitude is owed by all!
Enjoy!
