BACK BEDROOM BAROQUE

This is not a recording, circa 1998
of the Cologne Chamber Orchestra
conducted by Helmut Muller-Bruhl
but the orchestra themselves,
huddled in the back bedroom
for a private performance of Bach’s
Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor.

The Flautist can hardly raise his elbow
above the Harpsichordist’s shoulders,
crammed as they are between several
Violinists and an antique dresser.

And Heir Muller-Bruhl, perched
on the unpacked box of saucepans,
knows that the risk of falling
into the clumsy cluster of musicians
is what lends this piece it’s unique
blend of fury and exhilaration.