Dunedin Consort - Bach: Orchestral Suites - MusicWeb International

Butt finds new wonders at every turn. Repeats, of which there are many, are never identical: there is always variety of tempo, pacing, texture or layering, and that keeps everything sounding fresh and exciting. Nothing here is routine. His players follow him with playing of subtle sensitivity and, of course, consummate skill. We already knew we could take that as read with these performers, of course, but it’s lovely that the Dunedin Consort end their Bach series by focusing squarely on the orchestral performers who have formed the series’ backbone.

They tap into the joy that lies embedded in all of these dance movements, and it’s difficult to listen to this music without breaking into a grin. Don’t resist: hear it and smile.