Akademie Fur Alte Musik Berlin Tickets

Playing on period instruments, the acclaimed Akademie Fur Alte Musik Berlin performed a masterful, expertly- woven program of works by Johann Christian and Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach--sons of the great Johann Sebastian who seemed to loom as a watchful presence. Included also were Handel's Concerto Grosso in F op.6, and Orchestral Suite no.1 in C Major by J.S.Bach himself. This wonderful program, executed in perfect elegance by the ensemble, was a walk through much of history of essential Baroque music. It demonstrated the contrast between the two defining Masters of the period: Handel--the worldly "crowd-pleaser," and his contemporary, Johann Sebastian Bach, the deeply spiritual and incomparable Master of all that is music. Alongside them were works of Bach's two gifted sons forging the future of music itself. Although the focus was clearly on C.P.E. Bach, the inclusion of the charming Symphony in G minor op.6 by J.C. Bach demonstrated the aesthetic difference between the two sons. J.C.'s path to the elegant, polished Mozart clearly shone in this symphony, while the "sturm und drang" of his brother, which led the way to the cavernous, emotional depths of Haydn and Beethoven, was evidenced. It should be said that both sons were highly gifted masters, despite the minor status relative to their father. C.P.E Bach was represented by his Sinfonia in B minor, and the Concerto in E-flat major for oboe, strings,and continuo--the latter certainly the lynch pin of this evening. The oboist gave a magnificent, nay remarkable --rendering of this work, and the simpatico between her and the rest of the ensemble was beautifully palpable. I marveled at the flawless intonation that the players culled from those brittle instruments (which in the hands of lesser musicians might have provided a quite painful evening). It was a remarkable display of gentle,solo virtuosity and ensemble cohesion. This ensemble is clearly and gently superior in every sense of the word, and I felt that I had heard Baroque music for the very first time--the way it was meant to be heard. There is more to be said that cannot be said by me here, but suffice it to say in essence that this was one of the finest musical evenings I have ever experienced. The following week,this group performed a nearly-identical program in New York, at Carnegie Hall's treasured Zankel Hall to a triumphant response and a glowing New York Times review. It should also be mentioned that this musical program was preceded by an exemplary pre-concert lecture moderated by Library of Congress' Daniel Boomhower, featuring Dr.Paul Corneilson and Mark Knoll - editors of the just-released and enormously extensive project : "Carl Phillipp Emanuel Bach: The Complete Works." This entertaining and edifying event shed light on the composers as well as the works featured in this concert.

Akademie Fur Alte Musik Berlin is always fantastic. This was my third opportunity to attend one of their concerts, and each was marvelous. Their recordings are excellent, too.