Here we have yet another wonderful recording from the Emerson
String Quartet. This time they bring their unique performing
feel to the music of J.S. Bach in one of his final expressions
of music "The Art of Fugue". Most performances of this work have
what can only be described as a totally intellectual feel to
them, this recording is quite different in the fact that the
Emersons bring a feeling of humanity to the work. The final piece
performed as a close to the work is the Chorale "Before Thy
throne do I come now." BWV 668a is one of Bach's final thoughts
It is a fitting close to this work, which is a fitting close to
Bach's musical life. The recording done by Deutsche Grammaphon
is warm, intimate, yet with just enough feel of the room to keep
it from sounding "boxy" Hearing this work in a chamber setting
helps the listener follow the various paths and trails that Bach
put together to show us his little garden or park where we can
imagine following him around as he shows us the way. Bach's music
can be quite an adventure of exploration, The Art of Fugue is his
map to perhaps what has been called "The Undiscovered Country".
I suggest getting this CD and making the journey with him as
often as possible. Is this recording the last word on the
subject? No, but it is one of the finest ones to come along in a
long time. Highly recommended.
