LACO’s “Baroque Conversations” series begins season-long look at Bach

“As the human race evolves, we appreciate Bach more.”
– Allan Vogel

For this year’s rendition of its “Baroque Conversations” series, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra has decided to devote all five concerts this season to the music of Bach.  Last Thursday’s series opener focused on his Trio Sonatas, with Allan Vogel, LACO’s renowned Principal Oboe, serving as the genial and informative host.

As Mr. Vogel explained, one of the more curious aspects of the Trio Sonatas as they were performed that evening  is that they required a quartet of musicians; the “trio” in the titles refers to three musical parts or voices, and for each of the four examples played at Zipper Hall on this occasion, the continuo line was played by a harpsichord doubled by a either a cello or bassoon.

Each of the Trio Sonatas performed had its own flavor, thanks both to the variety of moods in Bach’s writing and the varying choice of instrumentation.  It proved to be an enthralling selection of music, beautifully and convincingly played by the various members of the orchestra.  Only the most jaded period-practice purist could have walked away unhappy.

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