Violin Concertos

Description

Don't overthink this latest version of the violin concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach. Franck Peter Zimmerman, setting aside both the fervor of romantic violin playing and historically informed interpretations, prefers to navigate naturally along the line of his instrument, virtuosic as desired but above all with a lightness and sovereign articulation. The Berlin orchestra accompanying him is on the same wavelength, neither overdoing it nor holding back. The tempos are lively and measured. From this balance, the emotions and dynamics naturally arise: tenderness, elegance, and liveliness. Adorned with his delicate Stradivarius "Lady Inchiquin," a model of sound, the German violinist illuminates these concertos with a brilliant solar light, much like a certain Yehudi Menuhin did decades before him. It is worth noting that the double concerto BWV 1060 for interchangeable violin, oboe, or harpsichord is played here with two violins (with the young Serge Zimmermann, who is not related to Franck Peter) and benefits from a true commitment from both soloists, with one not hesitating to spar with the other. (Jérôme Angouillant)