Ensemble Café Zimmermann have recorded concertos by J. S. Bach: BWV 1049, BWV 1053 (alt), BWV 1064, and suite, BWV 1067. In this third installment, they choose to "mix" things up, taking more from the Brandenburg trove (in this case, no. 4., but the more ripe concerto in my opinion is the transcription for oboe d'amore. Previously I had enjoyed a recording by the King's Consort with Paul Goodwin, but ultimately found the recording's sound quality far too bright and thin. As with the CZ's previous recordings, the sound quality here has a richness to it, with a nearly sublime acoustic. Likewise, they push the tempo a little, and I know the oboe d'amore can't be an easy instrument to play. A little breathing room might have worked, but who can deny the equal appeal of tapping one's foot, especially when the sound is this good? Fast is too plain a word to describe the ending movement of BWV 1049. Here the fugue takes speed quickly, The ensemble has a nice warmth to their sound, from the ample bass at the bottom, to the beautiful violin solos on top. The recorders shine when they play their unison parts, that unique acoustic property that raises your eyebrows, as an 18th century special effect. Another favorite of mine is the triple concerto in C major, BWV 1064. I especially like a transcription the AAM did years ago using three violins. I am not sure why, but this concerto is beyond foot-tapping good fun. It almost compels one to get up and dance a bit, that little bass line and all that harpsichord tinkling on top. Again the tempo here is very likely a couple notches faster than you're used to, and the whole thing is ultimately delightful. My only complaint would be the clavecins used... they almost have a crunchy quality to their sound. Bach's "second" orchestral suite finishes the disc, again with quick tempos on hand. The Badinerie is the signature movement, perhaps, with the flute really sliding back as part of the ensemble, rather than singing on top. This is likely more authentic, most flutes transverieres don't have incredible power. I really like the small-ensemble sound. In all, an excellent recital of some of Bach's instrumental works. Pablo Valetti, of Rare Fruits Council fame, again succeeds with directing an ensemble of baroque virtuosos.