English Suite No 1 - Bach

Prelude and Fugue in B (`48' Bk. II) - Bach

French Suite No 3 - Bach

The Bach Festival 2000 at St Ann's Church, Dawson Street, got off to a rewarding start last Sunday afternoon. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Bach's death, nine concerts on successive Sundays include five cantatas, the St John Passion and all of Bach's French and English Suites, played by Malcolm Proud (harpsichord).

Even at two suites per concert, Proud's task is no mean one, for these pinnacles of Baroque keyboard music present great challenges of technique and interpretation. They are so stylised that it is often difficult for the player to strike a balance between projecting their dance rhythms and shaping their elaborate counterpoint.

That was not a problem in this recital. Part writing was always clear, memorably so in the Fugue from the Prelude and Fugue in B, Book II of the `48'. The suites were impressive partly because each movement seemed right internally and for its context. Of the many high points among the more serious movements, I would choose the Sarabande from the French Suite No 3, where a beautifully pliant top line never lost contact with dance. The second Bourree of the English Suite No 1 rattled along in a way which made it an entirely appropriate foil to the more elaborate movements surrounding it.

Malcolm Proud plays at St Ann's Church on January 23rd at 3.30 p.m. u7 (u5 conc.). Telephone (01)To book phone 01- 6778872