Concerto Gregoriano,

Widely regarded as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach's music today, Masaaki Suzuki has made his name both as the artistic director of the Bach Collegium Japan and as a performer on the harpsichord and the organ. Much interest has been focussed on the BCJ/Suzuki series of Bach Cantatas, begun in 1995 and reaching its final stretch with the recent release of Volume 46 (of a projected 55 discs). Hailed by the international music press, this monumental undertaking has acquired a world-wide following. From the very beginning of the collaboration with BIS, however, there have been numerous recording projects beyond the sacred cantatas of Johannes Sebastian, and, indeed, beyond Bach himself. Some of these acclaimed recordings can now be found in a limited edition boxed set, released in connection with the 20th anniversary of Bach Collegium Japan this year.

Respighi is best remembered for his scenic views of Rome, namely the wonderfully descriptive triptych Feste romane, Fontane di Roma and Pini di Roma; look beyond these works, however, and youll find a sizeable, rich and varied orchestral output unsurprising for a composer who is today regarded as one of the supreme masters of orchestration.

The concertos on this disc may not be familiar but are very much worth buying. This recording is very sharp and clear. Mr. Cappelletti plays beautifully and his instrument (a Stradivarius)has an excpetional tone. The concertos themselves are interesting works. The Concerto Gregoriano is lyrical and at times dramatic. The Concerto all'antica sounds more like Respighi under the spell of Vivaldi and earlier Italian music (as the name indicates). It is less ambitious perhaps but enjoyable.

Frescobaldi was the most influential composer for keyboard in Italy prior to Domenico Scarlatti. Bach copied out Frescobaldi’s Fiori Musicali, and he was also a strong influence on Fux and Buxtehude. His reputation has been slow to gain its rightful status over the past century or so. This edition provides a superb opportunity to discover this neglected master of the Baroque.