Bach Brandies

I'm sure Christian Ludwig and his mates at Brandenburg would have sat around drinking brandies or similar while they listened to this music.  The Bach Akademie Australia performed all six of Bach's Brandenburg concertos over two concerts for the CIMF.  The concertos were originally entitled Six concertos for several instruments, so the lineup changed and the stage was remade between each concerto.  I have played no.3 several times and practiced some others, but I hadn't realised the immensity of the satisfaction of this music until I heard them together.  They are all mega-renowned and so enticing.  Musical Director violinist Madeleine Easton led most but John Ma took one.  There were lots of faces form AHE and the like and a few local Canberrans and a fave baroque bassist Pippa Macmillan.  Pippa was hugely strong and has obviously played these before...  John was an admirable leader too for no.6 and Madeleine of course.  As with such an ensemble in Australia, there were several faces and names who share their skills around.  Day 1 was 1,3,5 and I wondered that I may find day 2 less interesting.  No way!  Day 2 seemed more comfy, but also 6,4,2 were well known and wonderfully involving.  I melt over the fugues and they appear here, of course, Pippa strongly spelling out her part and driving it nicely.  But this is a group activity and such a pleasurable outing.  Just lovely as well as composition diamonds.

Bach Akademie Australia performed all 6 Bach Brandenburg concertos over two concerts for the Canberra International Music Festival.  Madeleine Easton (violin) led most but John Ma (violin) led one.  Poppa Macdonald was a stunner on bass. The pic is of one of four roughly similar ensembles through the two concerts.