Jeanne Lamon, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra - W.F. Bach: Sinfonias & Suite in G Minor & Concerto for Harpsichord in D Major (1997)

Tracklist:

Sinfonia in D major, F. 64 (Wilhelm Friedemann Bach)
1. I. Allegro e maestoso 03:56
2. II. Andante 03:15
3. III. Vivace 03:25
4. Sinfonia in D Minor, F. 65: Adagio & Fugue 09:35
Suite in G Minor, BWV 1070 (Johann Sebastian Bach)
5. I. Ouverture - Larghetto 04:36
6. II. Torneo 01:58
7. III. Aria - Adagio 05:22
8. IV. Menuetto alternativo - Trio 04:48
9. V. Capriccio 03:32
Concerto for Harpsichord, Strings and Basso continuo in D Major, F. 41 (Wilhelm Friedemann Bach)
10. I. Allegro 05:50
11. II. Andante 05:34
12. III. Vivace 04:29
Sinfonia in F Major for Strings, F. 67 (Wilhelm Friedemann Bach)
13. I. Vivace 04:22
14. II. Andante 04:48
15. III. Allegro 03:19
16. IV. Menuetto I & II 02:30

Performers:
Charlotte Nediger (harpsichord)
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
Jeanne Lamon

This disc goes a long way to support the idea that Wilhelm Friedemann, despite his personal problems, was the most talented composer of Bach's sons. Indeed, the Suite in G minor included here was long considered to be the work of Sebastian. All of the music performed here has a vitality and craftsmanship that is very appealing. The opening Sinfonia in D has a sound very reminiscent of the Dresden school, and is optimistic and slightly quirky. The highlight for me is the Sinfonia in D minor for two flutes, strings and continuo. It starts with a very slow langorous adagio which employs striking dissonances between the flutes and moves into a fugue of tremendous contrapuntal rigor. Here is where the musical genuis of Wilhelm is most evident as this fugue shows him to be a very good pupil of his father, except that it is made all the more interesting by some shocking harmonic side-steps. The music of Wilhelm Friedemann has never been very well recorded, and this appears to be one of the best programs available. Tafelmusik play flawlessly with great passion and verve.