Z.o.o. Guitar Duo Shines on ‘J.S. Bach: Two-Part Inventions’

J.S. Bach: Two-Part Inventions
Z.o.o. Guitar Duo
zooguitarduo.com

Bach shines on requinto and baritone guitar outing

The Dutch/Australian duo of Peter Constant and Marion Schaap has been together for years, and, having met and seen them perform a number of times, I can vouch for their effortless musicianship and wonderful technique playing all manner of styles and periods of guitar music. So, in this latest excursion we find them exploring the music of the great JSB (15 Two-Part Inventions) but with the added bonus of the performances being on requinto (Schaap) and baritone (Constant) guitars. The rich sound that emanates from this unusual combination is a joy to hear, with the bright treble sound of the requinto and the resonant basses on the baritone really creating some fabulous sonic moments.

As for the music itself, well, there is not a single ordinary or boring moment to be found. The bonus addition of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is one of those pieces that even Bach detractors have to admit is a supreme moment of inspirational writing, and it is no surprise to find that the performance is every bit as good as one might expect from this duo. Though the CD’s duration is on the short side (29 minutes), it is still heartily recommended.

                                                                                                                           —Chris Dumigan