Natural trumpet proves to be a nuisance during performance of Brandenburg Concertos at the Concertgebouw

Masato Suzuki, the son of founder Masaaki Suzuki, recently conducted the Bach Collegium Japan in a performance of four Brandenburg Concertos at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Born in the Netherlands and trained at its conservatories, Suzuki led the ensemble through a program of pieces that were once lost for a century following Bach's death. The concert highlighted the group's signature warm, precise style, particularly during the Fifth and Fourth concertos, where the musicians showcased their expertise in intricate phrasing and timing.

Despite the ensemble's strong performance, the evening faced technical challenges, specifically regarding intonation. The natural trumpet player struggled with the difficult, valve-less instrument throughout the second concerto, and the concertmaster experienced occasional issues with pitch. However, Suzuki provided a standout moment while playing the harpsichord, and the final portions of the Third concerto demonstrated the orchestra at its peak. The performance ultimately confirmed the enduring artistic connection between the Suzuki family, the Bach Collegium Japan, and the Dutch musical tradition.