Bach: Violin Concertos (CD review)

Julia Fischer, violin; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.  Decca B0012490-02.

In 2003, DG released the Bach Violin Concertos played by the talented young female violinist Hilary Hahn, accompanied by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  In 2009, Decca released the same four Bach Concertos played by another talented young female performer, Julia Fischer, accompanied by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.  Each album contains the pair of Violin Concertos, BWV 1041 and 1042, the Concerto for Two Violins, BWV 1043, and the Concerto for Oboe and Violin, BWV 1060. Comparisons became inevitable.

A glance at the timings for the two Violin Concertos shows that they are within a few seconds of one another.  But on closer inspection, one notices that Ms. Fischer is fractionally slower in the fast movements than Ms. Hahn and a hair faster in the slow movements.  It doesn't make a lot of difference except that if you play them side-by-side, switching instantly from one to another, it does appear that Ms. Hahn is the zippier of the two, which may or may not impress you.  Some listeners will find Ms. Fischer's interpretations more relaxed and more refined.  Other listeners, like myself, will find Ms. Hahn imparting a marginally greater sense of fun and joy to the music.  Although, for that part, both musicians seem to be enjoying themselves and the music immensely.  This is not your parents' Bach.

In terms of sound, it's almost a toss-up as well.  The DG recording is a tad softer and warmer than the Decca, yet it feels a bit more solid, too.  The Decca is just that much glassier and wispier.  The preference here may depend upon one's playback equipment, the tonal balance of one's speakers, especially.

There is one area in which Ms. Fischer is the clear winner, though.  She has more pictures of herself in the packaging, nine for her to eight for Ms. Hahn.  One small step for Ms. Fischer.