01. "Prelude Nr.1 In C Dur Aus: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier"
02. "Italienisches Konzert: Allegro"
03. "Italienisches Konzert: Andante"
04. "Italienisches Konzert: Presto"
05. "Air On A G String (Air Auf Der G-Saite)"
06. "Toccata & Fugue in D Moll"
07. "Pastorale In C Moll"
08. "Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude"
09. "Gavotte In B Moll aus: Suite In D Dur"
10. "Fugue No. 5 In D Dur"
11. "Gavotte In D Dur"
Description:
Recorded at Studio Miraval, Le Val, France, 1993 and 1994
"The Best Of Play Bach (Mehrkan" on CD by the Jacques Loussier Trio is an impressive best-of collection that presents some of the most compelling interpretations from the legendary "Play Bach" series in modern, high-fidelity multichannel sound. On this disc, the trio transforms selected works by Johann Sebastian Bach into elegant jazz, retaining the formal clarity and melodic beauty of the originals while opening them up with subtle swing, improvisation and a warm, chamber-like trio sound. The arrangements are transparent and rhythmically refined: the piano carries Bach's themes with lyrical phrasing and harmonic sophistication, the double bass adds depth and elastic pulse, and the drums provide delicate, precisely placed accents rather than overpowering grooves. The multichannel production enhances the spatial impression of a live jazz performance in an intimate concert hall, allowing the listener to experience the detailed interplay and fine dynamics of the trio with great nuance. This CD is ideal both for audiophile listeners interested in surround or multichannel reproduction and for fans of sophisticated crossover projects between classical music and jazz. Telarc, the label behind this release, is renowned for its audiophile-quality recordings and great attention to natural sound, dynamic range and careful microphone placement; for decades, Telarc has stood as a benchmark for high-quality classical and jazz productions, often valued by demanding listeners and home cinema enthusiasts for its technically advanced and musically coherent releases. The Jacques Loussier Trio, founded by pianist and arranger Jacques Loussier, became famous worldwide for its "Play Bach" concept, in which Bach's compositions are reinterpreted as jazz trio pieces; over the years, the trio has reached a large international audience, achieved strong sales figures and toured extensively, helping to make Bach accessible to listeners who might otherwise rarely engage with baroque music. Their "Play Bach" recordings are considered pioneering works in the field of Third Stream and have influenced many musicians who move freely between classical forms and modern improvisation. This best-of CD thus offers a concentrated selection from Loussier's distinctive Bach-jazz oeuvre in outstanding multichannel sound and is a rewarding addition to any jazz or classical collection interested in stylistic bridges and sonic excellence.
Dynamic and virtuoso performance. Each musician complements the other performers. You can listen endlessly. I recommend.
JOHN BUNGEY - 12/Jun/2009
It’s ten years since the Hamlet cigar ads accompanied by Loussier’s softly swinging Air on a G String were last aired — after wafting around TV and ci...
Modern
32.341
- AcidJazz/DanceJazz 107- Avantgarde/Free 981- Bebop 109- Bossa Nova 338- Cool 75- Hard Bop 155- Jazz Rock/Fusion 748- Latin Jazz 1.002- Other Modern Jazz 27.366- PopJazz/SmoothJazz 795- World-&Ethno-Ja. 443
