The tyranny of distance holds no sway with these performances. Bach came home with many influences from the French and Italian baroque, well illustrated here - but perhaps Suzuki has come home with the man himself! Amid the influences of the art of Western Protestantism in his own country, Suzuki traveled and studied in Europe, we are told, then returned to his native land to resume both a practical and academic career. His creations, together with his small but highly skilled band, have provided endless hours of pleasure. As one gazes upon the beauty of both the music and performance one is aware of a sense of something very new and fresh. I have listened on the radio from time to time to a few of the group's recordings, but only in passing and never to the whole experience as presented here on these discs. It dawns on one as time passes that these performances are something very special, a true and sensitive blend of the visual and auditory experience. One is reminded of the superlatives that can express the beauty of Eastern art forms, such that have always captured the hearts of the European middle classes from the early days of European contact. And that tradition continues here. There is an excellent set of notes provided on the music, the orchestra and their leader. My only regret is that the second disc is so short. Plenty of space here for a filler, and what a gem it could have been!
Masaaki Suzuki obtient de son Bach Collegium Japan ce dont Debussy rêvait pour interpréter sa "Boite à joujoux" : un orchestre sans pieds. En effet, tout dans cet enregistrement est léger, aérien, d'une grâce quasi irréelle comme si les timbres sonnaient d'eux-mêmes indépendamment de toute intervention humaine... Sommes-nous encore sur terre ? Par une prise de son lumineuse et naturelle qui donne l'illusion du concert, une joie communicative nous inonde de l'intérieur, comme après quelques coupes de champagne... Une expérience vraiment unique qui nous prouve combien J.-S. Bach demeure universel et intemporel... jusqu'au Japon du XXIème siècle ! Vivement que Monsieur Suzuki nous grave la "Water Music" de Haendel, ou les suites orchestrales des opéras de Rameau !
Suzukis Einspielung ist der Maßstab für alle zukünftigen Bach-Projekte. Auch das Engagement von BIS Schweden kann nicht genug gelobt werden. Die Bibliothek ist mittlerweile schon stattlich. Fünf Sterne sind nicht genug für dieses musikalische Gesamtleistung aller Beteiligten. Diese CD verdient nur die allerbesten Wiedergabesysteme.
Written in the style of the French ouverture, these works are more commonly known as Bach's orchestral suites. The precise dates and circumstances of their composition are unknown. The first movement (overture) of each suite comprises a majestic opening section, a quick central section, and a repeat of the opening. In modern performances, the repeat is often omitted--partly so that all four suites can fit on a single CD. Suzuki takes the repeats, but BIS provides two SACDs for the price of one. The other movements are generally in the form of French dances.
Masaaki Suzuki and his Bach Collegium Japan have moved to the highest rank among Bach specialists. (See, for example, my review of Suzuki's B-Minor Mass Bach: Mass in B minor [Hybrid SACD].) This recording of the suites also goes straight to the top of the list. Suzuki and his band deliver performances that are stylish and elegant yet energetic and joyful. They offer all the clarity of period instruments with none of their sometime limitations. The recorded sound is absolutely natural and lifelike. This recording is now without doubt the number one choice for these works.
This recording is also now available in a wonderful 3-disc set (for the price of 2) along with the Brandenburg Concertos Brandenburg Concertos & Orchestra Suites (Hybr).