the HDT recording, apart from the formidable playing, has chosen a wonderful venue for its recording. the garnison church seems to bring out all the richness and fullness of tone that my ears have fallen for immediately. it is as rich as my mother’s dundee cake with currants, raisins, glazed cherries and maybe a spot of rum. and the low notes produce a sense of well-being in me that tells me the world for a while is immune to human folly.

apparently brahms once late in life went into a wineseller’s and ordered a bottle of wine. the wineseller recognised him and brought out a fine riesling, presenting him with it and saying ’this riesling is to wine what you are to music´! brahms replied ‘could you then bring me a bottle of bach?’

here it is, beautifully decanted.

John Irons