Bach: Violin Concertos [The Bach Project]

Just in time for their 75th anniversary, Daniel Geiss and the Neubrandenburg Philharmonic have given us a very special gift: "The Bach Project" is a homage to Johann Sebastian Bach, the court conductor in Köthen. He composed a large portion of his orchestral works and instrumental concertos while in the service of Prince Leopold before leaving that prestigious position in 1723 to take up his lifelong appointment in Leipzig. Chief Conductor Daniel Geiss explains why the members of the Neubrandenburg Philharmonic chose "The Bach Project" in particular: The synthesis of tradition and vision, structure and expression, mathematical clarity and emotion – the essential characteristics of Johann Sebastian Bach’s visionary music – offers ideal possibilities for the performance of 'great chamber music,' in which solo parts and every conceivable nuance of the tutti blend with unique eloquence. This also explains the program. In addition to the (authentic) Violin Concerto in A minor and the Air from the Third Orchestral Suite, the orchestra presents three 'hypothetical' reconstructions from the 20th century. These are based on later harpsichord versions from Leipzig and have since become firmly established. These pieces create 'great chamber music': two or three violins compete with one another, separate, and reunite with the self-confident string section; a violin and an oboe exchange intimate details against moving backdrops – and once again, this Bach, whom the Leipzig city fathers once hired only as a last resort, shows that no one can hold a candle to him.