Munch and Bach??? Munch and Berlioz yes, but Munch and Bach?
Well...YES... and very fine music making it is! We have here the Brandenburgs numbers 4 through 6 played with panache, a lightness of touch and exquisite musicianship. After all, with soloists like Richard Burgin, Lukas Foss and a very young Doriot Anthony Dwyer on flute, would you expect otherwise?
Back to Munch and Bach. Though modern day listeners will remember Charles Munch as the quintessential "French" conductor, he did spend his early years studying and playing the violin in Germany and, he also served in the Imperial German Army during WWI as his native city Strasbourg was part of the German Empire. So strong the German ties that Munch was asked to become the concertmaster of the famed Gewandhaus Orchestra while Furtwangler was the conductor of that esteemed ensemble. One can imagine that during his time in Leipzig, Munch had plenty of time to absorb and participate in the rich musical tradition that culminated in the genius of Bach. Munch and Bach...YES!
So...very much a surprise here for sure. I hope to locate a nice copy of the first three Brandenburgs, if for anything to hear Roger Voisin play that clarino part! Enjoy!
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