Andreas Staier, Freiburger Barockorchester/Petra Müllejans Harmonia Mundi HMC 902083.84 (2 CDs) *****

How would you describe the music of CPE Bach to someone who had never heard it? The work of a musical freethinker, a master of the unexpected? Music that’s so full of surprises that it always sounds futuristic? And if you wanted to recommend a particular performer, a player with the fantasy and dynamism of Andreas Staier would be spot on. I can’t quite agree with Staier’s assessment that the six harpsichord concertos recorded here are on the same level as the composer’s best symphonies, but they’re not that far off. And Staier provides a passionately argued written commentary to show his enthusiasm for a set of pieces in which it’s not always easy to figure out where movements stop and start (they run into each other), or even how many there actually are. Hugely stimulating stuff. See url.ie/55ay