Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan at the NCH

[Diapason]

What a magnificent account of the B minor mass we heard from Bach Collegium Japan under Masaaki Suzuki last night! I almost didn't go for reasons I can't comprehend now, but I'm thoroughly delighted that I did. Suzuki sometimes has a reputation for a cold, clinical approach to Bach, but it wasn't in evidence at all last night (IMO, of course). Warm, flowing, detailed, compelling, everything assured and in control, but exciting too. In an evening of highlights, Robin Blaze's "Agnus Dei" was ethereal.

I spotted a certain Fergus there, although I didn't manage to catch him at the interval or after the concert. Was anyone else in attendance?

[Seán]

Hi Simon, I am delighted you enjoyed it. I thought about going but thought I better not as I have always found Suzuki's approach too clinical and sterile, but that's me.

[Diapason]

I think you would have enjoyed this, Sean, I didn't think it was sterile in the least. Next time maybe!

[Diapason]

I have always found Suzuki's approach too clinical and sterile, but that's me.

Actually, could we tease this out a little bit, Seán, because I'm interested. Is it a question of contrast? A question of dynamics? What does Gardiner, say, offer that Suzuki lacks?

The reason I ask is that when I say I didn't find it sterile in the least, maybe I'm on a different page with this stuff. I'd be interested in your thoughts anyway.

[Ciaran]

I was very disappointed not to have been able to go. I love the Suzuki series, I have most of his records of the choral works, in fact I just got Volume 6 of the Secular Cantatas today. It includes Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden, BWV 1083, Bach's arrangement of Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, which I heard on Radio 3 last Saturday, it sounded ravishing. I certainly don't find him sterile.