4 English Suites 2 3 4 & 6

On this CD:

1. English Suite for keyboard No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Walter Gieseking

2. English Suite for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Walter Gieseking

3. English Suite for keyboard No. 4 in F major, BWV 809
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Walter Gieseking

4. English Suite for keyboard No. 6 in D minor, BWV 811
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Walter Gieseking

Tracks:

Canon
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
Messiah: Overture
The Four Seasons: Spring: Allegro (Danza pastorale)
Orchestral Suite No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Guitar Concerto in D: Adagio
Xerxes: Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Allegro Assai (Theme From 'Firing Line')
Orchestral Suite No. 3: Air On The G String
Royal Fireworks Music: Overture (excerpt)
Water Music: Hornpipe
Brandenberg Concerto No. 5: Allegro
Adagio
The Four Seasons: Winter: Allegro non molto
Rondeau (Theme from 'Masterpiece Theatre')

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to Baroque music..........2005-10-04

This CD contains a great sampling of Baroque music. Some of the best known songs of the period are included. Listeners will likely instantly recognize many of the songs (you've likely heard them before, you just didn't know their names). An excellent rendition of Pachelbel's Canon starts off the CD. Then plenty of music from big names such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi fill out the disc's 72 and a half minutes of music.

The demographics of this disc point to an intended mainstream audience. For example, the track listing includes references to which songs served as themes for television shows. For example, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 includes the byline "Theme from 'Firing Line'" and Mouret's Rondeau says "Theme from 'Masterpiece Theater'". So this collection does represent a popular collection of Baroque songs. And it plays that role very well.

Other standout tracks include: 2 movements from Vivaldi's justifiably famous "The Four Seasons", Bach's amazing "Air on the G String" and Handel's "Xerxes". The disc includes no vocal tracks. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" from Bach's Cantata No. 147 gets performed on a solo organ (the original has vocals and a string arrangement). So those uneasy with "classical style singing" will find no problems here.

All in all, this disc serves as a good introduction to a great period of music history. It could also serve as a starting point for selecting a favorite composer or as a guide for building a classical music collection.

Good "best of" CD, but nothing more........2001-09-27

This CD does what it says it does: it gives you a brief, excellently recorded overview of the Baroque. But remember, this is just bits and pieces of a great store of music.

This CD will whet your appetite. You'll need to buy more, after you've heard the excerts of the great works here.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-19

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-18

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good, but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

DEFINES "CLASSIC".......2000-05-26

We have all heard the infinitely moving Canon in D by Pachelbel hundreds of times - it is not surprising that it has appeared, in one form or another, in commercials, films (most notably Ordinary People, which used the main theme as the underscoring for the entire film) - it is perfect, simple and incredibly, undeniably moving. But you are in for more treats on this basic Baroque sampler, which features many popular themes you may know, despite the fact that you may not be a hard-core classical music buff. The joy of each and every one of these cuts lies in their simple, enduring melodies and the gorgeous musical settings provided here. They sound fresh, new and as contemporary as anything you might hear on the radio. This album has a holiday after-effect as well; the fanfares, hymns and exciting instrumentation (horns, harps, strings galore) make you feel as if it is Christmas every day.

Johann Sebastian Bach: 6 Brandenburg Concertos / 4 Orchestral Suites - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock

Average customer rating:

Another five-star review
A wonderful and lifting experience
Outstanding period performances
Good Recordings!
Top Notch Brandenburg

Johann Sebastian Bach: 6 Brandenburg Concertos / 4 Orchestral Suites - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock
The English Concert , Trevor Pinnock , and Johann Sebastian Bach
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: Concertos
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Le Quattro Stagioni Op 8 Nos 1-4) /Standage * English Concert * Pinnock
Vivaldi Concertos
Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6
Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert

ASIN: B0000057D8
Release Date: 1989-05-09

Tracks:

Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: ohne Satzbezeichnung
Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: Adagio
Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: Allegro
Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: Menuetto - Trio 1 - Polacca - Trio 2
Concert No.2 BWV 1047: ohne Satzbezeichnung
Concert No.2 BWV 1047: Andante
Concert No.2 BWV 1047: Allegro assai
Concerto No.3 BWV 1048: ohne Satzbezeichnung
Concerto No.3 BWV 1048: Adagio
Concerto No.3 BWV 1048: Allegro
Concerto No.4 BWV 1049: Allegro
Concerto No.4 BWV 1049: Andante
Concerto No.4 BWV 1049: Presto

Tracks:

Concerto No.5 BWV 1050: Allegro
Concerto No.5 BWV 1050: Affettuoso
Concerto No.5 BWV 1050: Allegro
Concerto No.6 BWV 1051: ohne Satzbezeichnung
Concerto No.6 BWV 1051: Adagio ma non tanto
Concerto No.6 BWV 1051: Allegro
Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Ouverture
Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Courante
Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Gavotte 1-2
Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Forlane
Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Menuet 1-2
Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Bourree 1-2
Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Passepied 1-2

Tracks:

Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Ouverture
Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Rondeau
Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Sarabande
Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Bourree 1-2
Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Polonaise
Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Menuet
Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Badinerie
Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Ouverture
Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Air
Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Gavotte 1-2
Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Bourree
Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Gigue
Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Ouverture
Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Bourree 1-2
Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Gavotte
Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Menuet 1-2
Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Rejouissance

Customer Reviews:

Another five-star review.......2007-03-27

I first heard this recording when I got it out of the library and found it so incredible that I had to buy it for myself. The sound is warm, not tinny like the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (the other recording I have, which I've never been terribly fond of), and very expressive. I cannot add any technical comments to the other reviews already written, but I can say that I agree that Trevor Pinnock and Simon Standage are a Baroque musical force to be reckoned with.

A wonderful and lifting experience.......2007-03-02

For me the only lacks in here are just for personal tastes: I find the fifth and sixth concertos a bit boring. On the other hand I've got already six different versions of these Brandenburg and this is which I like the most. The sound is (IMPRESSIVE) crystal clear and is played not only flawless, but with such devotion and passion that I almost fell on my knees the first time I listened to it.
I also recomend the version of Reinhard Goebel guiding the Música Antiqua Köln: it's awsome with its fabolous recreation of the baroque sounds.
If you like Bach and if you had the I Musici version of these Concertos, throw them away and get this Pinnock's: you won't regret a bit and you will be skyrocketed to Heaven.

Outstanding period performances.......2007-02-21

These recordings are excellent. Pinnock's Brandenburg concertos remain the standard for period instruments, offering exceptional musicianship and an authentic rendition. The Overtures are also great, although I greatly prefer the readings of Reinhard Goebel and Musica Antiqua Koln to these. Still, as a low-priced compilation of Bach's most popular orchestral works, this is an excellent set, and you could do much worse. Those who are new to classical music will find this set to be a great starting point.
In spite of the fact that the Brandeburg concertos were recorded using early digital technology, the intimate setting of these small ensembles neutralizes many of the problems of tinny, hollow sound that plagued the digital format in its early years. As for the Orchestral Suites, these were recorded using analog technology and sound fantastic.
These recordings are integral for those who prefer period instrument performances, and this is one of the great pioneering period instrument ensembles out there. Recommended.

Good Recordings!.......2007-01-15

In my opinion this set of recordings is very good. I study music and I have no complaints about how they were done. If you are looking for a very sufficient set of recordings for these works, this is definatly the set.

Top Notch Brandenburg.......2007-01-07

There are tons of Brandenburg recordings out there. How they stack up, of course, is a matter of personal taste. But having listened to many, this one stands out. It's crisp, fresh, and brings out the power of the music. In far too many renditions of Bach, much gets lots. Not so here. Certainly better technology has made things easier over the years. We can hear what might have been muffled in the past. But more than that, this interpretation makes the work come alive. Well done Trevor Pinnock.

CBS Dinner Classics: Sunday Brunch, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

Wow!!! The Good Humored Ladies!

CBS Dinner Classics: Sunday Brunch, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dinner Classics: The Sunday Brunch Album
Dinner Classics: The Italian Album
CBS Dinner Classics: Romance
CBS Dinner Classics: Breakfast in Bed
Dinner Classics: The French Album

ASIN: B00000277P
Release Date: 1991-01-09

Tracks:

Orchestral Suite No. 2, BWV 1067: Badinerie
Abdelazer (The Moor's Revenge) Z. 570: Rondeau
Cantata No. 78: Wir Eilen Mit Schwachen
Oboe Concerto No. 2 In D Minor: II. - Adagio
Solomon: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G Major, R. 532: II - Andante
Bernice: Minuet
Flute Concerto In D Major, Op.10 , No.3, R. 428 'Il Cardellino': I - Allegro
Cantata No. 147: Jesu, Joy Mans Desiring
Mandolin Concerto In C Major, R.425: I - Allegro
Cantata No. 156: Sinfonia
Water Music: Bourree
Water Music: Hornpipe
Le donne di buon umore: 4. Andante
Le donne di buon umore: 3. Allegro
Water Music: Air
Water Music: [Menuet]
Water Music: [Hornpipe]
The Gordian Knot Unty'd, Z.597: I - Overture
The Gordian Knot Unty'd, Z.597: II - Air
The Gordian Knot Unty'd, Z.597: III - Rondeau Minuet
Abdelazer (The Moor's Revenge) Z. 570: Air
Concerto For Harpsichord In F Minor, BWV 1056: II - Largo
Violin Concerto In F Major, Op. 8, no. 3: 'Autumn' From The Four Seasons: III - Allegro
Fanfares For Trumpets, Timpani, Violins & Oboes; Suites de symphonies, Premiere Suite: I - 'Rondeau' [Allegro]

Customer Reviews:

Wow!!! The Good Humored Ladies!.......2006-08-03

The 'Good Humored Ladies' written by Scarlatti is recorded by the Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Louis Lane. This recording alone is a good reason to add this CD to your collection. It was issued many years ago and finally re-released again.

Other music on the CD is also high quality sound and very relaxing.

An addition to the music includes recipes inside the paper cover.

Bach: English Suites, Partitas - Gustav Leonhardt (4 CD's)

Average customer rating:

Factual correction regarding the instrument used in the English Suites
Wonderful sarabandes
excellent performance, and outstanding value
Disappointed

Bach: English Suites, Partitas - Gustav Leonhardt (4 CD's)
Gustav Leonhardt , and Johann Sebastian Bach
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Well Tempered Clavier 1 (Ger)
J.S. Bach: The French Suites - Gustav Leonhardt
J.S. Bach: Das Wohltemperierte Klavier II
Johann Sebastian Bach: Inventions, BWV 772-786 & Sinfonias, BWV 787-801 - Gustav Leonhardt
J.S. Bach: The Goldberg Variations

ASIN: B00030FJ30
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante 1/Courante 2 Avec Deux Doubles
4. Sarabande
5. Bourree 1/Bourree 2/Bourree 1
6. Gigue
1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande/Les Agrements De La Meme Sarabande
5. Bourree 1 Alternativement/Bourree 2/Bourree 1
6. Gigue
1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande/Les Agrements De La Meme Sarabande
5. Gavotte 1 Alternativement/Gavotte 2 Et la Musette/ Gavotte 1
6. Gigue

Tracks:

1. Prelude (Vitement)
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Menuet 1/Menuet 2/Menuet 1
6. Gigue
1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Passepied 1 En Rondeau/Passepied 2/Passepied 1
6. Gigue
1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande/Double
5. Gavotte 1/Gavotte 2/Gavotte 1
6. Gigue

Tracks:

1. Praeludium
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Menuets 1 & 2
6. Gigue
1. Sinfonia (Grave/Adagio/Andante)
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Rondeau
6. Capriccio
1. Fantasia
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Burlesca
6. Scherzo
7. Gigue

Tracks:

1. Ouverture
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Aria
6. Menuet
7. Gigue
1. Praeambulum
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Tempo Di Menuetto
6. Passepied
7. Gigue
1. Toccata
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Air
6. Tempo Di Gavotta
7. Gigue

Customer Reviews:

Factual correction regarding the instrument used in the English Suites.......2006-08-06

The instrument Leonhardt plays in his recording of the English Suites is not a genuine antique, but rather a forgery made by Skowroneck and passed off by GL for a decade or so as a harpsichord made in 1755 by Nicolas Lefebvre of Rouen. Lebvre was a real organbuilder and instrument maker in Rouen in the middle of 18th century, but none of his harpsichords actually survive. All was revealed by Skowroneck in a fascinating article in the Galpin Society journal in 2002. The instrument, incidentally, is really fine and sounds as good as many antiques

Wonderful sarabandes.......2005-05-23

I agree with the previous reviewer (banjoboomer), these are wonderful performances, and, as he points out, Leonhardt does play the repeats in the sarabandes. And how beautifully he plays those sarabandes! In fact I fell in love with how Leonhardt plays the sarabande of partita no. 4; he plays it so naturally and with such a sense of timing that one does not easily realize how magnificently it is actually played.

excellent performance, and outstanding value.......2005-04-26

These are fine, nuanced, and well-recorded performances of both the English suites and the Partitas. Although, as the other reviewer notes, Leonhardt skips the repeats in most movements, the low price tag and the quality of the interpretation more than make up for this quirk. (And just so you can rest easy: Leonhardt *does* take the repeats in the Sarabandes where Bach has written out the ornamentation to his simple melodic line, so nothing is "left out" on that score.) The instrument in the English suites is an authentic German harpsichord of the period, restored by the great Skowroneck, and the Partitas are played on a William Dowd replica. In both cases the recording engineering avoids both the over-closeness that mars many of Kenneth Gilbert's otherwise provocative performances and the distance that can rob a recorded harpsichord of its richness. That said, the main attraction here is the interpretation, which similarly avoids the extremes of metrical rigidity and distracting overelaboration. I'm still in love with Pinnock's more recent recording of the Partitas on Hänssler, but I cannot recommend this pairing strongly enough, if you're looking for an historically informed performance of these works.

Disappointed.......2005-03-24

While this seems a great value-Gustav Leonhardt playing the Partitas and English Suites for under $20-there is a catch: None of the repeats are taken. I had to return the set.

Average customer rating:

I'm Mad About Baroque
Amazing!

Mad About Baroque

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mad About Bach
Mad about Vivaldi
Mad about The Classics
Mad about Piano
Mad About Guitars

ASIN: B000001GKF
Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon In D
Rondeau (Masterpiece Theater Theme)
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Water Music: Allegro-Andante(Allegro da capo)
Water Music: Air
Water Music: Bourree
Water Music: Hornpipe
Xerxes: Largo
Sound Of The Trumpet, Sound
The Four Seasons 'Winter': Largo
Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
Adagio In G Minor
Music For The Royal Fireworks: La Rejouissance
Concerto For Lute In D Major: Largo
Christmas Concerto: Allegro, Pastorale. Largo
Concerto No. 1 For Oboe & String Orchestra: Adagio - Allegro
Concerto No. 12 In B Minor: Aria. Larghetto e Piano
Le Coucou
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

I'm Mad About Baroque.......2007-01-05

I love this CD and am so pleased to have purchased it. I put it on almost daily at work -- it is the perfect length equipt with the perfect choice music.

Amazing!.......2002-12-18

I thouroughly enjoy this CD! The music is beautiful enough to listen to all by itself, but also quiet and peaceful enough to listen to while studying for exams or doing homework. Mad about Baroque has been in my discman for many weeks and accompanied to the library many times. This is a great CD!

Average customer rating:

Pretty
Charm over bravura
Elegant Bach
Played all wrong!
Definitive English Suites

Bach: The English Suites

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bach: French Suites / Angela Hewitt
Bach: The Six Partitas / Angela Hewitt
Bach: The Toccatas
Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier (book 1)
Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2

ASIN: B0000BX5L4
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Prelude
Allemande
Courante I
Courante II
Sarabande
Bourree I And II
Gigue
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande Et Les Agrements De La Meme Sarabande
Bourree I And II
Gigue
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande Et Les Agrements De La Meme Sarabande
Gavotte I And II
Gigue

Tracks:

Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Menuet I And II
Gigue
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Passepied I And II
Gigue
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Gavotte I And II
Gigue

Customer Reviews:

Pretty.......2007-03-25

Competent piano playing, but I had hoped this kind of prissy, superficial playing went out with Rosalyn Tureck and her ilk. Bach shouldn't sound "pretty"! Listen to how she drains all the drama from the gigue of the E-minor suite, then listen to Murray Perahia play it with amazing rhythmic sublety and drama, letting all the voices speak.

Charm over bravura.......2005-09-20

Apparently the "English" in these suites refers to some historical evidence that they were written for "an Englishman of nobility." While there is not so much style of the English in this music, the international flavors of Italy, Germany, Spain and especially France abound in these series of six suites consisting of several contrasting 'dance' movements. The Courantes, Bourrees, Menuets and Gavottes are quintessentially French, the Sarabandes of Spanish origin, the Allemandes from Germany and the French Gigue from Anglo roots in the 'Jig.' While their origins came from dance music of the courts and peasants of the 16th & 17th centuries, the dances of Bach's Suites were composed purely for instrumental, concert purposes.

In her exquisite liner notes, Miss Hewitt summarizes Bach's huge talent for integrating and fusing these diverse, regional dance influences into one grand style: "Bach was able to combine the grace and refinement of French dance music with concerto elements borrowed from the Italians, yet subjecting it all to the German predilection for polyphonic writing at which he was the supreme master. Nowhere is this more beautifully demonstrated that in his six English Suites."

Bach's English Suites are filled with much superbly crafted, complex and memorable music - from the haughtingly beautiful sarabandes to the highly rhythmic preludes and gigues. Unlike the six Partitas or French Suites, each of the English Suites begins with a prelude - but preludes that are quite technical and fast moving and hardly relaxed like those of Bach's WTC. And where the French Suites are more aristrocratic, restrained and elegant overall, the English Suites are definately more virtuostic - somewhat akin to the Partitas and Toccatas at times - but these alternating with the slower and contemplative sarabandes and allemandes. The deeply expressive writing Bach brought to the sarabandes is definately a highlight of the English Suites as is Hewitt's emotionally-emersed and plaintive playing of them.

Suites No. 2 and 6 are perhaps the stars of the set - fantastic compositions that show off the keyboardist's technical virtues that Hewitt plays with dazzle, authority and supreme confidence. Her Suite No. 2 bursts forth with great energy and excitement - even moreso and more multifaceted than Martha Argerich's dynamic reading (DG). Particularly in the opening Prelude and later Bourree, Hewitt shows herself to be a master of drama and conception by her well-chosen, varying dynamics, swells and flutters that add great dimension and excitement to the music. In such kinetic movements, her clean, quicksilver passagework is second to none; and few find such heartfelt, expressive depth in the sarabandes.

I have all of Hewitt's discography and rank the English Suites among my top 3 favorites - both for Bach's superb compositons and Hewitt's dynamic and sensitive playing. This set scored a top 3-star rating and "Recommended Recording" citing in the 2005 Penguin Guide. The most articulate review I came across was written for the Bach journal, "The Goldberg," that also summarized mostly my take on this set (4.5 star rating):

"Angela Hewitt writes of one of the gigues in this set that it should be rendered with "charm rather than bravura", and on another that it requires "clarity, precision, and a sense of line". These are apt descriptions of her own virtues throughout this set. Hewitt's interpretations are thoughtful and detailed, and might seem understated on first hearing. Her tone is consistently beautiful: she never displays the hard-edged, brilliant sonorities which Perahia occasionally exploits to great effect in his set. Most of her tempi are moderate-to-slow. She achieves a seemingly effortless clarity, gently underlining (rather than boldly highlighting) inner lines and motifs.

For all her seeming moderation, Hewitt exploits most of the modern piano's resources, displaying a wide range of articulation, dynamics and colours. She rarely projects immediate contrasts - sudden transition from loud to soft, or from full-toned to delicate; instead, she prefers constant nuances, subtly shifting attention between different strands in the texture, and cumulatively, almost imperceptibly, delineating a movement's progression. Repeats are often varied (including additional ornamentation). Through these subtle means Hewitt projects the different characters of individual dances, as well as those of entire suites - from the radiant serenity of the Fourth Suite to the depth and grandeur of the Sixth.

Another virtue of this set is the liner notes. Hewitt's enthusiasm for these works is conveyed in a sometimes conversational style of writing -- a few sentences read more like an interview transcription than like a written essay. This might bother some readers, though I got used to it fairly quickly. They're both enjoyable and informative, and give some insight into her musical choices as a performer.

The piano's sound, and the recording, are sometimes over-resonant, and occasionally I would have preferred more incisive articulation. But these minor reservations hardly detracted from my enjoyment of these moving performances. This is one of the finer achievements in Hewitt's highly-acclaimed Bach series. Fierce competition from Andras Schiff and Murray Perahia notwithstanding, this might well be the finest set of the English Suites on the piano." Uri Golomb

Elegant Bach.......2005-01-10

The English Suites are the first of three sets of suites Bach wrote for the keyboard, the others being the French Suites and Partitas.

Of the three sets of suites, the Partitas are perhaps the greatest set, the French the most accessible.

I tend to prefer Bach on piano (to harpsichord). I think the richness of Bach's music comes over better on piano, assuming of course that the pianist is very good in Bach.

Angela Hewitt's set of the English Suites is elegant, songful and pianistic;the more I listen to Hewitt, the more I enjoy her. I think Murray Perahia's set of the English Suites is more personal than Hewitt, very compelling, but not better. Rosalyn Tureck (on VAI) offers an unforgettable, marvelous performance of the English Suite no.3 coupled with superb excerpts of the Well Tempered Clavier, the Italian Concerto etc.

Of Hewitt's Bach recordings I know, the very best are of the Well Tempered Clavier (Books 1 and 2) (try hearing Rosalyn Tureck in them too!).

I think we are fortunate today to have wonderful Bach recordings by Tureck, Hewitt, and Perahia (also Piotr Anderszewski in Bach Partitas 1,3 and 6 on Virgin).

Played all wrong!.......2004-09-25

I don't really see why there is all this great furour over Angela Hewitt's playing. All the faults of her other Bach recordings are on full display here: She has a way of focussing on a voice by making the others practically inaudible. This works well for Couperin - and I greatly enjoy her recordings of Couperin - where the melodic line is more important, and other voices less important than in Bach.
However, in Bach's music, this kills the intricate weaving of voices that are its glory. While her playing is quite refined, it is all veneer, and no substance.

Definitive English Suites.......2004-02-23

until I heard this new recording, my all time favorite recordings of the English Suites were the harpsichord version on Westminster by Fernando Valenti. Pretty old but this new recording on the modern grand is all the energy, articulation, clarity and brilliance of that set. It is unusual to compare the harpsichord version with a version recorded probably 35 to 40 years later on the concert grand. But what comes out to me from this recent recording is the joy of playing the music by Angela Hewitt and her obvious devotion to the music. It has none of the ponderous playing of so many versions that I have listened to and purchased. These recordings to my mind beat all the competition and it is the best yet in her complete Bach series.

Average customer rating:

Is Naxos really the best version?
Definitive Historic Bach by Casals.
Essential part of any collection
Casals reveals all
Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
Bach: Suites for Solo Cello
Bach: Six Unaccompanied Cello Suites
Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas
Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

ASIN: B00004VXD2
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Prelude
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Allemande
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Courante
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Sarabande
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Menuets I And II
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Gigue
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Prelude
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Allemande
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Courante
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Sarabande
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Menuets I And II
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Gigue
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Prelude
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Allemande
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Courante
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Sarabande
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Bourrees I And II
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Gigue
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Prelude
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Allemande
Courante
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Sarabande
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Bourrees I And II
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Gigue

Tracks:

Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Prelude
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Allemande
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Courante
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Sarabande
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Gavottes I And II
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Gigue
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Prelude
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Allemande
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Courante
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Sarabande
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Gavottes I And II
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Gigue
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C Major, BWV 564: Adagio In A Minor
Gavottes I And II From English Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 811: Musette
Komm, Susser Tod, BWV 478
Sonata No.2 For Unaccompanied Violin, BWV 1003: Andante
Suite No.3 In D, BWV 1068: Air

Amazon.com essential recording

For many of us, Pablo Casals's legendary interpretation of Bach's six cello suites--the 1930s recordings that showcased these works as far more than mere finger exercises for cellists--are still definitive. Casals rediscovered these previously appreciated compositions and did his damnedest to illustrate their importance. Hence, his bold, romantic interpretations, which may lack subtlety but certainly not substance or grace. With Naxos's new remastering from audio producer Ward Marston, this bargain-priced recording makes a vast improvement on EMI's more expensive version of these exact same recordings (and a subtle improvement over Pearl's even pricier remastering). Here, you can finally turn up the stereo and get the full sonic depth of these recordings without fatiguing your ears from a ton of surface noise. Instead, you simply get lost in Casals's flowing, passionate playing and impeccable tone. This has always been a landmark recording and it's never sounded better than this. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Is Naxos really the best version?.......2006-11-12

I won't discuss the merits of Pablo Casals' version of Bach's Suites for Solo Cello, other reviewers have already done that. I will note that he ranks in the very top tier out of all the 12 versions I own. My other top tier favorites are Navarra, Fournier, Starker and Thedeen.

I do not own Ma's latest version nor Rostropovich's version, but I have heard them both. I find Ma to be too slick for his own good - he is indeed so technically correct that he plays the notes a bit too perfectly and in doing so somehow loses the essence of the music... if that makes any sense? Ultimately I do not find Ma convincing, a computer could be programmed to do the same thing. Rostropovich, however, is just the opposite, too sloppy (or some would say too romantic) - he just doesn't sound like Bach to me. I do like a few of his interpretations, but overall I think he misses the mark more than he finds it. I do not mean to suggest that both Ma and Rostropovich do not have their moments or that others have not found them satisfying, but overall there are other performers that just do a better job for me in terms of what I find important. My favorites are not going to be the same as yours all the time. But, at least now you know where I am coming from and where my biases are.

For Casals, the main issue is the sound quality of the various versions that are available. There is the older EMI version, the Remastered EMI, Naxos, Pearl, Opus Kura and Classica D'oro. Out of these choices, which one has the best trade off between noise reduction and the music? These are all sourced from old 78's recorded in the late 1930's, but each uses a different approach to noise reduction. I started off as most of you probably have by listening to the internet MP3 sound bites of all of the various versions - MP3s are not exactly the best way to make a judgment call on sound quality, but I did find that the two versions on CD that I did eventually purchase actually sound very much like the MP3s - there were no surprises in that regard.

So, from that listening perspective (MP3) I can tell you that I was not impressed by the Naxos version nor the Classica D'oro version. Naxos sounded hollow, boxed in and constricted and the Classica D'oro just sounded very processed. I realize that many reviewers praise the Naxos version, but I found the MP3 sound bite to be very constricted - again, this is only the MP3 sound bite, so take it for what it is worth. The MP3 of Opus Kura had a lot of hiss, the most of all these versions, but it also had a very full sound. The Remastered EMI MP3 also had a full sound, but with only moderate hiss. The Pearl sounded decent as well, but perhaps not quite as good as the Opus Kura or Remastered EMI. The Pearl was done somewhat earlier than all the others. So, I passed on the Naxos and the Classica D'oro for quality reasons. I also passed on the Pearl and instead purchased both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI versions, as those were also the ones done most recently and hopefully with the latest technology. The Japanese Opus Kura label also has a very solid reputation of valuing musical integrity over all else.

A quick comment on the two EMI versions. Most critics did not like the older EMI version because of overdone noise reduction. I have not heard that version, nor do I ever want to considering the many negative reviews I have seen! However, EMI remastered these performances in 2003 and this has apparently resulted in a much improved product.

O.K. now on to the comparisons; for hiss levels, both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI had quite a bit of hiss and surface noise. The Remastered EMI wins with less overall hiss noise and somewhat lower surface noise as well. The Opus Kura clearly has more hiss. It's not always a whole lot more, but it is more and it is more noticeable on some tracks versus others. But, note that the hiss levels can always be adjusted very easily with a graphic equalizer or more preferably with a noise gate. I did make an experimental CD-R copy of the Opus Kura on a CD-R with a noise gate (using Nero) and the result was very good and comparable to the Remastered EMI version in terms of hiss. Even so, if hiss is your major concern and you don't want to mess with a noise gate then just get the Remastered EMI version.

However, if you ignore hiss as a factor, which version sounds better in the living room? And by the way I have an audiophile quality sound system. Here Opus Kura wins hands down. There is no comparison. Opus Kura has all the room ambiance and lower bass tone, overtones and frequency range that the Remastered EMI version has filtered out. The Remastered EMI has no low bass where all the overtones reside - it's just not there and as a result the mid bass stands out more. I must admit that this approach has it's own appeal as it gives the illusion that the recording is both sharper and tighter sounding than it really is and it does bring out more of the mid bass, but the reality is that you are not getting all of the music as originally recorded. Still, it does not sound "bad" and perhaps this is a good trade off. The Opus Kura, on the other hand, fills the room with all the music, including all the lower bass overtones and makes it seem like Pablo is in the room. If you turn the Opus Kura up loud and go into the next room you would think Casals is actually in there playing live. The Remastered EMI in the same test sounds cleaner, but without the deepest overtones it sounds less like a real cello and more like just a deep toned viola - this is a solo cello we are talking about and you don't just EQ out the tonal quality of the instrument (and the room ambience) without losing some of the realism. That being said, it really comes down to personal choice. After listening for a few minutes the ear adjusts to either version. If you did not have the more natural sounding Opus Kura to compare to you would never know what you are missing with the Remastered EMI version. On the other hand, some listeners will actually appreciate the different tonal emphasis on the mid bass that the Remastered EMI offers. I did an A-B blind test with a friend who noted immediately the lack of bass in the Remastered EMI, yet still enjoyed listening to that one as much as the Opus Kura. She did not have a particular preference for one over the other, but they sound so different from each other that at first she thought these were entirely difference performances from different artists! Obviously, some of you will only care about getting rid of "all the hiss", while others want "all of the music." You know who you are. The Opus Kura version strives to keep all the music regardless while the Remastered EMI compromises a bit to lower the noise levels.

A few comments on listening in the car; I really cannot tolerate much hiss in a small confined environment like the car where it can really drown out the music. So, I made my own CD-R recording of the Opus Kura with the NERO noise gate set at 62db for the level and 30db for reduction. This works very well in cutting the hiss down to size and still retaining the music. The only problem with noise gates is that people tend to overuse it - just a little is enough! I did the same with the Remastered EMI at a slightly higher level (70db) and 30db and this also gave a fine result in terms of acceptable hiss levels. Because the three-dimensionality and room ambiance is not as much of an issue in the car environment, I would say that either version (the Opus Kura or the Remastered EMI) would work fine in the car - and if you happen to also have a graphic equalizer the right adjustments might also help make a difference.

Here's the bottom line. For the best sound in your living room, my personal choice is the Opus Kura with the full range of sound, but with more hiss and more surface noise. The Remastered EMI, however, is a fair enough alternative with lower hiss levels and hardly any surface noise (most of the time) and an emphasis (rightly or wrongly) on the just the mid bass. For the car, I think either version works out o.k., but only if you do some remastering yourself with a noise gate to make your own personalized CD-R version that cuts down the hiss.

I hope this helps.

Definitive Historic Bach by Casals........2006-11-09

As other reviewers have mentioned, Pablo Casals' historic recordings of Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suites have been released on numerous CD's on various labels. However, if you can track it down, the Naxos release is probably as close to definitive as it gets.
While the recordings date from 1936-1939, the sound and remastering courtesy of the legendary Ward Marston is amazing (although there is some slight hiss heard throughout the recordings). Casals' cello performances resonate with sheer beauty and almost gives the impression that he is sitting right in front of you performing live. The emotion, sense of yearning and joyfulness leap through with each stroke of the bow.
Additionally, the Naxos release includes four additional Bach cello pieces that date from an earlier period (1927-1930) and provide a nice coda to the dramatic Cello Suites which precedes them on this disc.
After listening to Pablo Casals' performance in this set, it's easy to see why these recordings still stand the test of time. These recordings are the model on which the later ones are (or should be, at least) based. Even if you already own other recordings of these fabulous Suites whether it be by Yo Yo Ma, Rostropovich etc., the classic Casals recordings are definitely worth owning not only for the historical aspect but for musical aspects as well.
Definitive Bach by the legendary Pablo Casals.

Essential part of any collection.......2006-04-29

I was initially reluctant to purchase this recording (because of noise), but one beautiful morning I saw it new on sale for about $3, and of course only an idiot wouldn't have gone for it. Actually it is well restored, the sound is full-bodied, deep and round. It is tiring on the ears to listen to more than one Suite without adjustments, but now I use my Graphic Equalizer, which almost completely eliminates background noise. So, if you have still got this device, there should be no problems. Otherwise, playing it on the equipment of lower quality is preferable (i.e. your computer speakers). This makes noise less obtrusive. Casals' style is somewhat (not a lot) Romantic, but he plays with such genius and conviction that this doesn't matter. Now, with the Equalizer, I can play both CDs through, and each time I am left with an impression that something important has just happened. This recording is one of those rare ones which mould the listener, bring out the best in us and ultimately make us better human beings. It goes beyond its physical limitations straight into the Metaphysical.

Casals reveals all.......2005-10-08

This must be one of the definitive performances of the Bach Cello suites. A must for any lover of Bach or Casals.

Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6.......2005-08-12

What an amazing talent. Every time I hear someone play the cello I compare them to the greats, there is no comparison when it comes to Casals. Like DuPre and Yoyo, he stands alone and is a wonder of nature. If you want to play, you need to practice, you need to love the instrument, you need to be lyrical in you playing, becoming comfortable with the music and the instrument, you need to emulate the greats! What a great artist to emulate!

Holst: St. Paul's and Brook Green Suites; A Fugal Concerto; A Somerset Rhapsody

Average customer rating:

An Interesting Holst Omnibus

Holst: St. Paul's and Brook Green Suites; A Fugal Concerto; A Somerset Rhapsody

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Holst: The Cloud Messenger; A Choral Fantasia; Part-Songs
Holst: Orchestral Works
Holst: Hammersmith / Moorside Suite / Suite No. 1 in E flat / Suite No. 2 in F
Rimsky-Korsakov: Suites
Amy Beach: "Gaelic" Symphony; Piano Concerto

ASIN: B000089HB4
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

2. Good Friday - Baccholian Singers Of London
4. A Love Song - Baccholian Singers Of London
1. Intercession - Baccholian Singers Of London
6. Before Sleep - Baccholian Singers Of London
3. Drinking Song - Baccholian Singers Of London
A Dirge For Two Veterans, H121 - Baccholian Singers Of London
I. Jig (Vivace)
II. Ostinato (Presto)
III. Intermezzo (Andante Con Moto - Vivace)
IV. Finale: The Dargason (Allegro)
I. Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Prelude (Allegretto)
II. Air (Andante)
III. Allegro
A Somerset Rhapsody, Op.21 No.2
Andante
Dance Of Spirits Of Earth
Dance Of Spirits Of Water
Dance Of Spirits Of Fire

Customer Reviews:

An Interesting Holst Omnibus.......2006-08-17

This CD brings together disparate small works of Holst, as well as recordings made in two different decades. So we have very good analog recordings of the choruses made in the mid-70s and quite decent digital recordings made in the early 90s. The unifying element is the English Chamber Orchestra--a fine choice for the assignment, of course. Holst is in their blood, and even if Sir Yehudi isn't a noted Holst specialist (at least that I know of), his performance of the "Perfect Fool" ballet music is very spirited and attractively colored. Menuhin's performance is pretty much the equal of Adrian Boult's reference recording of this music. Plus Menuhin has much more modern sound.

The other orchestral works are well handled, too, I think, especially the Fugal Concerto--given a sprightly reading--and A Somerset Rhapsody, droll music given an equally droll reading. I have heard more engaging performances of the delightful "St. Paul's Suite," but this is certainly a decent job. And I'm not familiar with "Brook Green," which isn't Holst at his most memorable anyway.

As for the choral music represented here, this is Holst at his most solemn and meditative. If your tastes run more to "The Planets" than to the "Choral Symphony" and "Choral Fantasia," this may not be your cup of tea. But I think Holst had a unique approach to choral music and find the "Six Choruses" both interesting and entertaining. The Dirge moves me in the same way as the war poetry of Wilfred Owen or Walt Whitman does. In fact, this is a setting of one of Whitman's more famous Civil War poems--a very effective setting, with apropos contributions from brass and percussion. Written in 1914, before the outbreak of the First World War, the Dirge anticipates the "Mars" section of "The Planets" written a couple of years later.

So this disc represents a strange mix of Holst music, but it is all effectively performed and recorded--just the thing to fill in gaps in your Holst collection. More authoritative readings may be found in Decca's British Music Collection box set, but I opted for the modern sound accorded Menuhin and Humphreys on this Classics for Pleasure disc and am quite happy. The price is certainly right!

Average customer rating:

Delightful music from the very great G. F. Handel played by the very fine English Concert
You cannot go wrong with Pinnock
Beautifully done
A fine collection of English Concert Handel
Pinnock Excels in Handel!

Handel: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Bach: Concertos
Vivaldi Concertos
Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert
Haydn: The "Sturm und Drang" Symphonies
Johann Sebastian Bach: 6 Brandenburg Concertos / 4 Orchestral Suites - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock

ASIN: B00002DEGY
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Ouverture ( Largo - Allegro)
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Adagio e staccato
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: (Allegro) - Andante - (Allegro da capo)
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: (Menuet)
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Air
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Menuet
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Bourree
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Hornpipe
Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: (Andante)
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Ouverture)
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Alla Hornpipe
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Menuet)
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Rigaudon
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Lentement
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Bourree
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Menuet
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Andante)
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Country Dance I - II)
Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Menuet

Tracks:

Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Overture (Adagio - Allegro - Lentement - Allegro)
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Bourree
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: La paix
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: La rejouissance
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Menuet I
Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Menuet II
Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: (Pomposo)
Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Allegro
Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Al tempo giusto
Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Largo
Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Allegro ma non troppo
Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: A tempo ordinario
Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Ouverture
Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Allegro
Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Allegro ma non troppo
Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Adagio
Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Adante larghetto
Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Allegro

Tracks:

6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, HWV 312: Allegro
6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, HWV 312: Largo
6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, HWV 312: Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3:Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: Vivace - Grave
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: Largo
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: (Menuett)
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: (Gavotte)
6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, HWV 314: Largo e staccato - Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, HWV 314: Adagio
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, HWV 314: Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Andante - Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Andante
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Minuetto. Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: (Without tempo indication)
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Adagio
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Allegro ma non troppo
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Allegro
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 6 D Major, HWV 317: Vivace
Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 6 D Major, HWV 317: Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Allegro
Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Largo
Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Allegro
Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Andante ma non troppo
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: A Tempo giusto
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Adagio
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Andante larghetto
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Largo
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Allegro, ma non troppo
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Larghetto
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Andante
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Polonaise. Andante
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Allegro, ma non troppo
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Larghetto affetuoso
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Largo e piano
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Allegro

Tracks:

12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Larghetto e staccato
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Presto
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Largo
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Menuet. Un poco larghetto
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Largo affettuoso
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: A tempo giusto
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Musette. Larghetto
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Largo
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Largo
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Andante
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Hornpipe
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Allemande
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Grave
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Andante allegro
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Adagio
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Siciliana. Andante
12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Allegro

Tracks:

12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Largo
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Larghetto
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Menuet
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Gigue. Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Ouverture - Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Air. Lentement
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Allegro moderato
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 11 In A Major, HWV 329: Andante larghetto e staccato
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Largo e staccato
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 11 In A Major, HWV 329: Andante
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 11 In A Major, HWV 329: Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Largo
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Allegro
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Aria. Larghetto e piano
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Largo
12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Delightful music from the very great G. F. Handel played by the very fine English Concert.......2006-03-15

This is a terrific set of disks. The recordings make great listening for those who just want the pleasure of some fine 18th century music, but they also are valuable for more sophisticated listeners who love Handel's music and want to enjoy his orchestral works.

Most modern concertgoers do not realize the complications that go into assembling a performance version of these works. They were not created whole and new with the intention of concert performance in our present method of experiencing instrumental concerts. The Water Music was for a special occasion in July 1717 for George I and his noble friends as the traveled by barge from Whitehall to Chelsea and back. The music was such a hit it was performed three times during the trip. However, it wasn't until years later that Handel began performing it for the public. The Royal Fireworks music was created for celebrating the signing of a Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle of 1748 and was performed in 1749. The king wanted only martial instruments, but Handel insisted on strings as well. And it seems that the authorized publication may have had other alterations from the public performance for the celebration or the public rehearsals in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.

The six Concerti Grossi Opus 3 were published at a time of financial need that Handel experienced as his opera enterprises collapsed in 1734. They are pieces the composer had used as introductions or entr'actes for his operas, anthems, or oratorios. Some movements do appear to be freshly composed, others are clear borrowings from his own works, and others owe a clear debt to Corelli whose Opus 6 Concerti Grossi were so successful and immensely influential. These concerti do have oboes.

The twelve Opus 6 Concerti are for strings only and were originally used as music before and between the movements of his various oratorios. Scholars have studied the issue and believe they know which music is matched with which oratorio, but it hardly matters to the general listener. That Handel also used earlier themes is also interesting and a wonderful topic for debate (did the composer intend his public to recognize his reuse of popular themes or not), but, again, it is a topic of only passing interest to present audiences.

The "two-choir" concerti are quite interesting. They each have three groups, one of strings, and the two wind choirs. Music is re-used from his oratorios including "Messiah", "Esther", "Judas Macabeus", and others. Modern audiences will certainly recognize "Lift up ye gates", but the others will require especially aware lovers of Handel's music.

These performances are well done and are a constant delight. Some recordings might be more mannered or extreme. However, I delight in this kind of joyful, intelligent, and clean playing.

Recommended for all to enjoy.

You cannot go wrong with Pinnock.......2005-03-17

These are very nice recordings of Handel's Orchestral Works. If you compare this set with some other sets of the works, you may think this set is missing some things. However, the only difference is that some of the other sets include organ concertos and such, which are not strictly orchestral works, so really, this set is complete. All of the performances are very nice, typical of Pinnock and the English Concert, and on period instruments, of course. Sound quality is very good. Highly recommended.

Beautifully done.......2004-02-21

I bought the third Opus 6 individual disc on a whim, many years ago and soon discovered that it and its two siblings are quite impossible to find. This set at last brings together an excellent volume from the English Concert - all of Handel's orchestral works. Some of them, such as the Op.6, were very hastily written and cast aside; nevertheless they are beautiful. All of it is a refreshing break from the Italian style opera that Handel is known for. The more famous Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks are excellent versions that are worth having too.

The performances here are beautifully made on period instruments and possess a combination of fluidity, soul and precision making them very memorable. They may date from the earliest days of all-digital recording but the sound is beyond reproach... The performances are consistent from disc to disc making this a true Volume and not a hurriedly-cut compilation from different eras and orchestras as typically found at lower prices. For anyone that is serious about Handel, this set is excellent value.

It has all the perfect balance of English Concert performance and Deutsche Gramophon tonmeister touch. I wish all classical records could be this good.

A fine collection of English Concert Handel.......2000-03-08

This six disc set encompassing most of Handel's concertos (including the big Op. 3 and Op. 6 sets) consists of recordings made from 1981 to 1984. It's well worth having for the excellent Op. 6 set alone, which was previously available only in the form of three separately-packaged, full-priced CDs. Pinnock and the English Concert play with smoothness and finesse, and the recordings collected here range from very good to excellent. The Royal Fireworks Music, like the Op. 6 set, is on the excellent side; the Op. 3 perhaps less sparkling but never dull or below par. The Water Music was (understandably) a best-seller in its original release. At this kind of price, and with this kind of playing, the English Concert set should be a cornerstone of any Handel-lover's CD collection.

Pinnock Excels in Handel!.......2000-01-13

Oddly, this is currently available (at least in the UK) in two packages and at different prices. Pinnock's style might not be to everyone's taste (you can't please allthe people all the time ...etc), but it is mine. These are generally superb performances of sublime music. I would rank them as my "period" recordings of choice, along with Marriner's on Decca for "non-period". Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

great collection
Pachebel in Taco Bell
A great assortment of classical masterpieces.

Pachelbel Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Elegance of Pachelbel
Bach: Greatest Hits
Ravel: Greatest Hits
Verdi: Greatest Hits
Brahms: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000029SV
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

Canon
Choral 'Alle Menschen mussen sterben '
Adagio
Allegro assai
Water Music: Menuet
Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Autumn - The Four Seasons: Allegro
The Harmonious Blacksmith
Magnificat
Chorale partita 'Werde Munter, Mein Gemute'
Goldberg Variations: Aria da capo
Trumpet Tune And Ayre
Manificat-Fuge No. 5 In F Major: Manificat-Fuge No. 5 In F Major (quinti toni)
'Music For The Royal Fireworks': La Rejouissance
Magnificat-Fuge No. 10: Magnificat-Fuge No. 10 (sextitoni)
Guitar Concerto In D Major, RV 93: Allegro glusto
Magnificat-Fuge No. 13: Magnificat-Fuge No. 13 (octavi toni)
'Te Deum': Introduction
Choral Prelude ' Von Himmmel Hoch, da komm ich hier'
Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
Messiah: ' Hallelujah'

Customer Reviews:

great collection.......2005-03-15

This is a great collection of classics that are wonderfully executed. A nice addition to any classical library.

Pachebel in Taco Bell.......2002-03-29

You know what would be funnier than Pachabel in the woods, or Pachabel with whale noises, or Pachabel with the sounds of the rainforest in a snowstorm on a July day with a couple camels giving birth? Pachabel in Taco Bell. I would buy that CD.

I'd just like to point out the fact that Pachebel is far and away the worst, most overrated, most boring classical piece ever written. And if it wasn't before, it has been played so much, on so many occasions, with so many stupid accompaniments (yes, this includes with whale noises) that it is now. You want a beautiful piece? I give you Barbar's Adagio for Strings. I give you Meditation from Thais. I'll even give you sentimental, sappy garbage like Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet. Just please, for the sake of good taste everywhere, put down that Pachebel CD.

A great assortment of classical masterpieces........2001-06-27

This is definitely a fabulous cd to add to one's classical collection, especially due to the fact that it contains one of the best versions of Pachelbel's well-known "Canon" in addition to some of his other works. Various historic composers of classical music are well represented here, from Bach and his Brandenburg Concerto to Antonio Vivaldi's "Autumn" from the Four Seasons. Many of the pieces are played by string instruments, such as the "Canon," which is professionally performed by a string quartet. Overall, the Baroque period of classical period tends to be the main concentration of this cd. This cd offers listeners the valuable opportunity to be introduced to classical music that has been played for centuries throughout the world.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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