Lydia Consilvio’s arrangements of J.S. Bach’s keyboard partitas present a fresh expression of Bach’s keyboard suite by giving listeners an opportunity to appreciate the works in a new way. A wonderful addition to the double reed quartet repertoire (two oboes, English horn and bassoon), these adaptations make Bach’s compositional ingenuity even more apparent by distinguishing between the distinct voices Bach wrote in his partitas.
As Bach’s partitas were originally written for the keyboard, it is also worth noting Consilvio’s contribution in arranging these works for winds, making it possible to reshape the phrasing and coloristic possibilities inherent in the music, while also differentiating with the use of dynamics in a way that was not possible on the harpsichord or piano. The result is harmonies that create beautiful new sonorities, ensuring that each instrument of the ensemble is involved, while also being mindful of the challenges of breathing and endurance for each player.