Jörg Baumann. Bach Cello Suites. Apex 256468644-3.Re release in 2009 of original recording issued on Teldec in 1985.
Recorded between 1981 and 1983. No information regards cello used.
The Cellist.
Jörg Baumann was principal cellist of the Berliner Philharmonika orchestra between 1976 until his untimely demise in 1995. He is a founder member
Of that orchestra’s 12 cellists ensemble.
Introduction.
This recording appears to have been released on LP in three separate volumes over three years then as a 2 LP collection in 1985. The feat of squeezing 60minutes music onto one record appears to have been achieved thus avoiding the need to omit repeats.
The Recording.
This reviewed re-issue on CD is on the budget Apex label and despite its 40 years age could easily pass muster in the company of other much more recent recordings. The cello is very forward in the sound stage and has a very full tone. Close microphone technique unfortunately does evidence a lot of breathing and fingerboard noise. Fortunately, this is only noticeable in quieter passages.
Booklet? What booklet?
The booklet provided is a very brief affair simply listing the tracks with timings and the venue of recording. It does mention the booklet editor which seems extraordinary given that he would appear to have removed everything else. Therefore plaudits for a hatchet job!
The Competition.
This recording had a lot of competition at the time of its release. This, from the likes of Heinrich Schiff, Misha Maisky and Lynn Harrell. Unlike these artists who I would consider to be mainstream, I would describe the approach taken by Baumann to be a blend of mainstream and historically informed. By this I mean that whilst he uses vibrato it appears to be a very rapid vibrato and rarely noticeable. He tends to play very rhythmically with more separation of notes.
Tone.
His tone however is full and in some places a bit forced. On the other hand in more rapid passages he can sound quite fleet of foot and very neat.
This recording did not get off to a good start with the Prelude of the first Suite. Here he employs separate articulation much of the time. But unlike many other performers the sound feels hemmed in and there is (possibly due to close microphone placement) an impression of resistance to the bow across the strings. Overall this comes over to me as a sense of laboured playing. Somewhat strange given that this Suite is considered to be one of the easiest to play.
This quality to the playing does improve as Baumann progressed through the Suites. However, it was difficult to shake off and I suspect if I had started elsewhere I might not have made as much of it as I have done.
Phrasing.
Baumann’s phrasing is very pleasant with plenty of light and shade.
Speeds tend to be mainstream although the Sarabande of the fifth Suite is rather fast and the Prelude to the sixth Suite is very fast. So much so, that the whole movement sounds a little ragged. This is disappointing as much that precedes it as mentioned above is very neatly played. There is very little ’bending’ of the timing but the playing never seems metronomic. There is a sense of firm rhythm at all times which did grow on me.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, I would suggest that at a budget price and virtually give away on the used market this is one to consider. Especially, if rhythmicity and good sound are important to you.
Beware of the close microphone effects! I suspect this recording would sound quite good on cheaper sound systems which is not a criticism!
Thoughts on the vinyl release.
I have, since writing the original review had a chance to acquire a vinyl edition of this recording. This was released by Teldec as part of the Bach 300 year celebrations. The record proudly bears a sticker proclaiming DMM (Direct Metal Mastering) which, it is stated produces ’No annoying echoes and surface noise (to)disturb the listening pleasure“. Although my copy was far from perfect the surface noise was in deed very quiet. I found the acoustic slightly more pleasing than the CD in that the cello sound was more focussed and well placed centre stage with some depth. Used copies are available for less than £20.
Charles.