Bach’s music is often described as indestructible, in the sense that no matter how it is performed or in whichever arrangement, its essential spirit survives. In the Baroque period the practice of arranging one’s own music or that of other composers was commonplace, and Bach himself was an indefatigable transcriber and arranger, using his own music to multiple purposes. Besides saving time and creative energy it gave the opportunity to other instrumentalists to play music of such high quality and universal value.

This highly original and enjoyable new recording presents works by Bach transcribed for recorder ensemble. The recorder consort is based on a great tradition of polyphonic practice, which began in the Renaissance period and continued throughout the Baroque era. The recorder is one of those instruments with great “mix appeal”, which in consort can produce a perfectly blended sound of rare beauty, with ancestral echoes.

In this recording by Collegium Pro Musica, the sound of the flute consort, which normally resembles that of an organ, is surpassed by a vision that tends to identify the different sounds and personalities of the individual performers, all committed to conveying an idea of vibrant vitality.

The album includes motets, concertos and inventions.

A wonderful, refreshing and fascinating recording by the Fiati del Collegium Pro Musica Recorder Ensemble, led by Stefano Bagliano, one of the foremost flute players of today.