Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos 1-6, Orchestra Mozart/Abbado – review

Does the world need another set of Brandenburgs? Yes, when they are as freshly minted and as adventurously sonorous as this marvellous set from Abbado's young period-style Orchestra Mozart. Nicely described not as conductor but as "concertatore", Abbado leads supple, imaginative readings; a great deal of the strong character is provided by his leader, violinist Giuliano Carmignola, and there is a brilliant harpsichord solo from Ottavio Dantone in the fifth concerto. Only the fourth is rather deliberate and rhythmically stolid; the second with its glorious high trumpet provides a great finale: these are peerless highlights of baroque music.