05.09.2025

MARIE-SOPHIE POLLAK | Bach vs. Scheibe on CD

Sometimes a musical dispute does not begin with fanfare, but with a sharp pen. In 1737, the German-Danish composer and music critic Johann Adolph Scheibe published a commentary in his magazine “Der Critische Musicus”. The target of his almost malicious barb was none other than Johann Sebastian Bach: without mentioning him by name, he criticised his compositional style as ‘confused’ and ‘bombastic’. The response was prompt: rhetoric lecturer Johann Abraham Birnbaum publicly came to the defence of his friend Bach. And so a music-theoretical dispute broke out that dragged on for years.

Together with Max Volbers and Concerto Köln, Marie-Sophie Pollak embarks on a musical journey of discovery on this album, now released by Berlin Classic, juxtaposing selected works by Bach and Scheibe – including no fewer than four first recordings. Instead of a dispute, this creates a dialogue, performed by Marie-Sophie Pollak with seemingly effortless historical style and nuanced expressiveness, while Concerto Köln demonstrates its great tonal flexibility, ranging from a small chamber music ensemble to a large orchestra with timpani and trumpets. Award-winning recorder player and harpsichordist Max Volbers brings his extensive experience in early music to bear and conducts the ensemble from the harpsichord and organ.

When two musicians engage in such brilliant musical ‘debate’, the audience is delighted!

BACH VS. SCHEIBE

Arien und Instrumentalwerke von Johann Sebastian Bach und Johann Adolph ScheibeMarie-Sophie Pollak | Max Volbers | Concerto Köln
Berlin Classics