Retrospect Ensemble - Bach: Harpsichord Concertos - Early Music Review

This is an exceptional recording on every level. Playing a double-manual harpsichord by Ian Tucker after Ruckers/Hemsch, Matthew Halls takes the solo parts and directs the Retrospect Ensemble in four concertos. These comprise the F major concerto which reworks Brandenburg 4, the G minor concerto based on the A minor violin concerto, the D minor one presumed to have been conceived for harpsichord, and that in A major which may be a reworking of a concerto for oboe d'amore.

The quality of the recording is outstanding, with everything splendidly in balance, allowing the listener to hear all sorts of detail which is often clouded over. Hall's tempi are always just right and allow the group to play with a wonderful sense of poise while always infusing the music with a sense of the dances which lie behind so much of it. Hall's own playing is confident and full of sparkle while never overstated or forced.

Very highly recommended indeed.