Bach: Harpsichord Concertos BWV 1052 - 1054

On this CD:

1. Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor (or for 2 oboes & organ or for violin) BWV 1052
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Stuttgart Bach Collegium with Robert Levin
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

2. Harpsichord Concerto No. 2 in E major (or for oboe d'amore in F major) BWV 1053
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Stuttgart Bach Collegium with Robert Levin
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

3. Harpsichord Concerto No. 3 in D major, BWV 1054
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Stuttgart Bach Collegium with Robert Levin
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

Tracks:

Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D minor, BVW 1052: 1. Allegro
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D minor, BVW 1052: 2. Adagio
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D minor, BVW 1052: 3. Allegro
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in E major, BVW 1053: 1. (without tempo indication)
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in E major, BVW 1053: 2. Siciliano
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in E major, BVW 1053: 3. Allegro
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D major, BVW 1054: 1. (without tempo indication)
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D major, BVW 1054: 2. Adagio e piano sempre
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D major, BVW 1054: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in A major, BWV.1055: 1. Allegro
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in A major, BWV.1055: 2. Larghetto
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in A major, BWV.1055: 3. Allegro ma non tanto
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in F minor, BWV.1056: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in F minor, BWV.1056: 2. Largo
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in F minor, BWV.1056: 3. Presto
Concerto for Harpsichord, 2 Recorders and Strings in F major, BWV1057: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
Concerto for Harpsichord, 2 Recorders and Strings in F major, BWV1057: 2. Andante
Concerto for Harpsichord, 2 Recorders and Strings in F major, BWV1057: 3. Allegro assai
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in G minor, BWV1058: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in G minor, BWV1058: 2. Andante
Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in G minor, BWV1058: 3. Allegro assai
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1060: 1. Allegro
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1060: 2. Adagio
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1060: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1061: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1061: 2. Adagio ovvero Largo - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1061: 3. Fuga - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1062: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1062: 2. Andante - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1062: 3. Allegro assai - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in D minor, BWV.1063: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in D minor, BWV.1063: 2. Alla Siciliana - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in D minor, BWV.1063: 3. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1064: 1. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1064: 2. Adagio - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1064: 3. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 4 Harpsichords and Strings in A minor, BWV.1065: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 4 Harpsichords and Strings in A minor, BWV.1065: 2. Largo - Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for 4 Harpsichords and Strings in A minor, BWV.1065: 3. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer

Tracks:

Concerto for Flute, Violin, Harpsichord, Strings, and Basso Continuo in A minor, BWV1044 'Triple Concerto': 1. Allegro
Concerto for Flute, Violin, Harpsichord, Strings, and Basso Continuo in A minor, BWV1044 'Triple Concerto': 2. Adagio, ma non tanto, e dolce
Concerto for Flute, Violin, Harpsichord, Strings, and Basso Continuo in A minor, BWV1044 'Triple Concerto': 3. Allabreve
Concerto for Oboe, Violin, Strings, and Basso Continuo in C minor: 1. Allegro
Concerto for Oboe, Violin, Strings, and Basso Continuo in C minor: 2. Adagio
Concerto for Oboe, Violin, Strings, and Basso Continuo in C minor: 3. Allegro
Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Basso Continuo in A major: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Basso Continuo in A major: 2. Larghetto
Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Basso Continuo in A major: 3. Allegro ma non tanto

Tracks:

Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in A minor, BWV.1041: 1. (Allegro moderato) - Simon Standage
Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in A minor, BWV.1041: 2. Andante - Simon Standage
Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in A minor, BWV.1041: 3. Allegro assai - Simon Standage
Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in E major, BWV.1042: 1. Allegro - Simon Standage
Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in E major, BWV.1042: 2. Adagio - Simon Standage
Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in E major, BWV.1042: 3. Allegro assai - Simon Standage
Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV.1043: 1. Vivace - Simon Standage
Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV.1043: 2. Largo ma non tanto - Simon Standage
Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV.1043: 3. Allegro - Simon Standage

Customer Reviews:

A Premier Bach Series Recording.......2007-03-26

I purchased these recordings nearly 20 years ago, when Deutsche Gramophone was still selling them as five individual discs, and at over $20 per disc. With the re-release of the set of all five discs in a single, price-reduced "Collectors Edition" box set, the price has fallen by more than half, making this one of the outstanding values for high-quality Bach recordings on today's market.

But what about the performances? Here's the best way I can sum it up. Having listened to these disks for some two decades, in the car, on the main home stereo system, on portable equipment, on the boom box, and etc., etc., it is, I imagine, inevitable that one ends up memorizing nearly every note. And with that familiarity comes the ability to detect flaws in the performance, missteps, missed beats, the occasional off-tone instrument. Here's the rub: it is difficult to locate any significant flaw in the performances. These performances are about as perfect as one can get, but having said that, there is more. The sound reproduction of this recording remains near or at the top of any Bach recordings with which I've become familiar, and remains in my own thinking the de facto standard by which other performances should be measured.

Sound too good to be true? Pick up a set and see for yourself. And then relish the thought that you paid $40 for a set worth far more.

A nice way to complete your collection of Bach's concertos..........2007-02-21

...and cheap to boot. This, paired with the Brandenburg Concertos/Overtures compilation from Arkiv (also featuring Pinnock and the English Concert), gives any new Bach fan a fairly complete account of Bach's instrumental orchestral output. This particular package includes all of Bach's keyboard concertos (played exceptionally well by Pinnock), all of his violin concertos, and also his Triple Concerto (Harpsicord, Flute and Violin), several works for Oboe and Oboe D'Amour, and several double concertos (2 violins, and oboe and violin). Highlights are the D Minor Harpsicord concerto BWV 1052, the C Major concerto for 2 Harpsicords BWV 1061, the Oboe D'Amour concerto BWV 1055, the double concerto BWV 1060, and the violin concertos.
This set sounds fantastic and is a great value to boot. Strongly recommended for those who loved Bach's Bradenburg concertos and Overtures and are looking for something new to sink their teeth into.

"Best Bach - Box Set".......2005-11-06

This is undoubtedly the best Back box set I have heard. These Concerto's for Harsichord, Violin, Flute and Oboe are among the finest in classical music. Although the Harpsichord volume level could have been a bit higher overall the recordings are very good. I am very pleased with this CD set with so much music at a very good price. This is truly a collectors gem.

Pinnock is good performer.......2005-09-30

Pinnock is good performer...I drop one start because BWV 1052-58
Might sound better when it's played piano.

Unbeatable Value.......2004-12-15

This set offers unbeatable value. The performances are uniformly excellent. Pinnock's Bach is brisk and sprightly when it should be, but also tender and relaxed when it must be. He is not afraid to slow down and savour the music, unlike many period-performance specialists. He is one of the world's great harpsichordists and his partners in the multiple concerti are also excellent. Simon Standage yields nothing to better-known soloists in the violin concerti.

The sound is clear, deep, and only a little bit on the bright side.

While you're at it, buy the Pinnock/English Concert complete Mozart symphonies. Sure, Mozart's first fifteen or so aren't anything special, but the set is superb and the price unbelievable.

Bach: Concertos for Piano and Orchestra Nos. 1-5 & 7

Average customer rating:

The Best Performance Ever Achieved
A Review in Dissent
"Don't be frightened, Mr. Gould is here ..."
In The Spirit...
I'm prejudiced, and these are my favorite versions.

Bach: Concertos for Piano and Orchestra Nos. 1-5 & 7

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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French Suites - 70th Anniversary Edition
The Glenn Gould Edition - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I

ASIN: B0000028ND
Release Date: 1992-10-27

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in E Major, BWV 1053
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1054
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1054
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1054

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 in A major, BWV 1055
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058

Amazon.com essential recording

Glenn Gould was this century's greatest Bach player, so these legendary recordings are self-recommending. While other fine pianists have made powerful statements in this music, no one sounds anything like Gould. His phenomenal clarity of articulation, digital control, and well, just plain interesting way with the music set him completely apart from the competition. With playing of this individuality and quality, it's pointless to engage in any debate with respect to the appropriateness of the piano versus the harpsichord. Scholars and pedants may continue to argue, but the fact is, it doesn't matter. Great musicianship always serves great music best. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The Best Performance Ever Achieved.......2007-02-12

This is a superlative recording of one of the most famous pieces by Kapellmeister Johann Sebastian Bach played by the best Bach interpreter, Mr. Glenn Gould. I value this recording so much that I often find myself avoiding listening to it too much because this recording is like a beautiful sunset, which should only be fully enjoyed without any wastefulness when all the conditions are ideal. I have owned this recording for many years, but I decided that I have no choice but to write a review now after reading a very gratuitous and childish review below by a certain [...]. While I do not care about the provincialism of other people, I was very worried that some novices reading that review might be mislead and coerced away from this most delightful recording and miss the experience of a lifetime.

For those that do not know, Glenn Gould is considered to be the best Bach interpreter of this century by the vast majority of non-professional listeners and professional artists. Gould's performances have become a standard; so much so that any new Bach performance on a piano is almost immediately compared to Gould. True, there are some critics who believe that Gould uses too much staccato in some of Bach's compositions, but nevertheless, if we remember that most of these pieces Bach had composed for a harpsichord, which is a staccato instrument by nature, we can understand why Gould would select such a radical approach.

Bach's fugues are very complex and often the performer is faced with a challenge to communicate three, four, or even more melodies simultaneously. A romantic, legato performance hopelessly mixes all the notes together drowning any possibility of expressing all these melodies at the same time - at best, some of the melodies go into the background, e.g., the left hand notes, while other melodies, like the notes for the right hand, come to the surface. Only a very scrupulous listening can reveal these melodies buried in the background. What makes so many people to fall in love with Glenn Gould is his uncanny ability to not only express all the melodies distinctly at the same time, but also to bring his left and right hand notes together into a mellifluous, sometimes tempestuous, freely flowing melody. Everything is right there for you to listen to.

Even if you are one of those harsh critics who absolutely cannot accept a staccato performance, I am sure that you will still like this performance because the recording flows so well that one can't argue that Glenn uses too much staccato. I am not a listener who is limited only to Gould. I embrace many different styles of performances simply because no one interpretation is the "only way." If you are very interested to hear how else these compositions can be performed, such as more romantically, I recommend you listen to these same compositions played by [...]. Both do an excellent job. You will also have the opportunity to compare these performances to Glenn Gould's interpretation. Additionally, I would recommend that you hear these concertos being performed on a violin, organ, and harpsichord. After so many years and so many different recordings I have realized that Gould's performance is the absolute best. It doesn't mean there aren't other excellent recordings; it means that Glenn adds something extra to the performance that somehow when you combine those extra features with the genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, you suddenly seem to reinvent one of the greatest works of arts of the Western Civilization.

This recording is indeed breathtaking. I have read several books on Bach's works and his biography and I have to say that his genius is divine, yet I am not even religious! Mozart and Beethoven, among numerous other composers, have revered Bach and learned from him as well. At least for me, there has never been any composer as powerful as Herr Bach. If you are new to Bach, this recording is a great starting point. Make sure that you continue your reveling odyssey and listen to Bach's other greatest works[...] If you have any questions about Bach and his performances, feel free to contact me (ekhekoyan at yahoo.com).

A Review in Dissent.......2006-06-06

I find myself in disagreement with all the other reviewers of this performance. I think Gould does both emotional and technical violence to Bach's music. One reviewer speaks of Gould's "staccato" attacks, and praises the interpretation anyway. Doesn't that seem incoherent? My problem with the performance, however, is not so much what I hear but what I don't hear. First, there's the chromaticism of Bach's music, which I don't hear in Gould's performance because it's hammer-heavy; dissonance is most piquant when prepared by clear, transparent consonance (which is nearly impossible, I grant, on a modern piano). Then there's the counterpoint, the joyful mathematical complexity of Bach's music, which Gould sacrifices to his thundering top-voice dramaticization.
I wrote a previous negative review of this disk, which I find has been eradicated. In other words, censorship is possible on Amazon. I'm quite disappointed.

"Don't be frightened, Mr. Gould is here ...".......2006-04-24

I dare to say that nobody could even better perform with the same clarity and precision as those of Glenn Gould. He demonstrates why J.S. Bach is still the maestro of all masters of all time.

I'm a researcher, and believe it or not, I get my ideas when I listen to Bach. This collection is a must-to-listen for everybody who needs an illuminated inspiration in his/her subject.

Listen and enjoy.

In The Spirit..........2005-08-23

Glenn Gould is one of the most controversial pianists ever ... some people love him ,some hate him ,but they all agree that he is a true bravura player and a serious virtuoso on the piano .
When it comes to bach we immediately recall the famous saying : Bach is the mathematician of music , and Gould's famous ( mechanical ) technique on the piano really sets us in the mood for bach ... i dont believe that J.S himself would have played those pieces better than Gould ...

I have always been fond of the piano concertos ,and i listened to them performed by multiple artists ,but Gould is the maestro undebatably .

I would also recommend Bach's partitas by Gould too ...

Enjoy

I'm prejudiced, and these are my favorite versions........2005-08-04

I started listening to Glenn Gould almost 50 years ago, and have always
admired the precision with which he played. It evokes very refined
emotions and clarity of thought, as I think Bach intended.

Average customer rating:

An entertaining fun disc, historically inaccurate
First rate!
Chang's Bach Piano Concertos are a joy!

Bach: Complete Piano Concertos, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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J.S. Bach: Complete Piano Concertos Vol. 2
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Bach: Harpsichord Concertos 1
Bach: Harpsichord Concertos 3
Bach: Harpsichord Concertos 2

ASIN: B0000013R8
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Piano Concerto in D Minor, BWV.1052: Allegro non troppo ed energico
Piano Concerto in D Minor, BWV.1052: Adagio
Piano Concerto in D Minor, BWV.1052: Allegro
Piano Concerto in E Major, BWV.1053: Allegro
Piano Concerto in E Major, BWV.1053: Siciliano
Piano Concerto in E Major, BWV.1053: Allegro
Piano Concerto in D Major, BWV.1054: Allegro
Piano Concerto in D Major, BWV.1054: Adagio e sempre piano
Piano Concerto in D Major, BWV.1054: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

An entertaining fun disc, historically inaccurate.......2005-06-25

If you would like to hear Bach's keyboard concertos as Bach actually intended them to be heard, you would do well to look elsewhere. Naxos later produced a series of recordings with the Cologne Chamber Orchestra directed by Helmut Müller-Brühl in which historical performance practice is ideally combined with modern instruments - these are available at the usual incredible Naxos price; if you prefer historical instruments, then I suggest looking at recordings by The English Concert/Trevor Pinnock (on Deutsche Grammophon) or by the ensemble Le Concert Francais/Pierre Hantai (on Auvidis-Astrée).

Nevertheless, if you prefer the modern piano to a harpsichord and are not too worried about questions of "authentic" style, you will probably enjoy this 1990 Naxos disc on which Korean pianist Hae-won Chang gives a classy performance quite brilliantly captured by the Slovakian engineers. The accompanying Camerata Cassovia, directed by Robert Stankovsky, seems to have had quite a field day, too, although the engineers have ensured that it is always the soloist in the foreground. A fun disc on which pure entertainment takes priority over any musicological considerations.

First rate!.......2000-03-03

Beautiful music beautifully done. The soloist's phrasing is crystal clear and calm. I have four other recording of these pieces on both harpsicord and piano, and this is my favorite by far.

Chang's Bach Piano Concertos are a joy!.......1999-12-10

What a fun CD! The performances are excellent, the sound is very good and the music is glorious. If you want the Bach keyboard concertos on a modern piano, here you go. Note that while everything is on modern instruments, tempos are quick and the playing is lively, thus providing the best in period performance practices.

Bach: The Art of Fugue; Keyboard Concertos

Average customer rating:

An Embarassment of Riches
This recording of these Keyboard Concertos is tops

Bach: The Art of Fugue; Keyboard Concertos

Manufacturer: Opus 111
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Vivaldi Edition: Vespri per l'Assunzione di Maria Vergine

ASIN: B00008PW4U
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Customer Reviews:

An Embarassment of Riches.......2005-12-24

Rinaldo Alessandrini has established himself first and formost as a masterly interpreter of Italian Early Music - especially so as a Monteverdian. So his forray into the world of German Baroque is a move that was always bound to infuse something fresh and exciting into this repetoire, especially given the heavy Italian influence that the German composers of this time clearly demonstrate. The performances here live up to - and surpass - all expectations. In fact the interpretation here of 'die Kunst der Fuge' (or should I say L'Arte della Fuga!) is perhaps the finest I have heard. The work is mostly performed for a chamber ensemble of Baroque instruments thought some pieces are played for harpsichord alone by Alessandrini. So this recording of Bach's ultimate work - the concluding chapter of his Klavierübungen, and Encyclopedia of Music - is an absolute must for all Bach lovers.

As for the second CD, at this price to have these thrown in is an embarassment of riches. The performances have wonderful vigor, and zest in abundance. Tempi, and phrasing have that rare sense of absolute rightness about them. The recording sound quality both here and in the Kunst der Fuge is well up to the audiophile grade quality that you tend to take from granted from Opus 111.

A stupendous buy even if the liner notes are close to non-existent.

This recording of these Keyboard Concertos is tops.......2005-02-15

Rinaldo Alessandrini plays the harpsichord in a recording of The Art of Fugue by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). He also directs Concerto Italiano, a period-instrument orchestra, in four of Bach's keyboard concertos.

"Here's a collection of almost frantically intense Bach harpsichord concertos--a form that the big guy himself invented. The Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052, is generally--and for good reason--regarded to be the finest single work of its time before Mozart. It's a grand, emotionally draining piece in three relentlessly grim movements. The other pieces on this disc are a little more relaxed, which is most welcome, since the performers really do push the music about as far as it will go in terms of energy and drive." (David Hurwitz, Amazon.com)

The works on this recording:

DISC ONE
1. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080

DISC TWO
1. Keyboard Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052
2. Keyboard Concerto in F major, BWV 1057
3. Keyboard Concerto in D major, BWV 1054
4. Keyboard Concerto in A minor, BWV 1044

Bach: The Concertos for One and Two Harpsichords

Average customer rating:

leppard
they forgot the harpsichord
Just Perfect
Bach for all ears

Bach: The Concertos for One and Two Harpsichords

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000041F6
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052: 1. Allegro
No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052: 2. Adagio
No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052: 3. Allegro
No. 3 in D, BWV 1054: 1. -
No. 3 in D, BWV 1054: 2. Adagio e piano sempre
No. 3 in D, BWV 1054: 3. Allegro
No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1056: 1. -
No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1056: 2. Largo
No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1056: 3. Presto
No. 6 in F BWV 1057: 1. -
No. 6 in F BWV 1057: 2. Andante
No. 6 in F BWV 1057: 3. Allegro assai
No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058: 1. -
No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058: 2. Andante
No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

No. 2 in E, BWV 1053: 1. -
No. 2 in E, BWV 1053: 2. Siciliano
No. 2 in E, BWV 1053: 3. Allegro
No. 4 in A, BWV 1055: 1. Allegro
No. 4 in A, BWV 1055: 2. Larghetto
No. 4 in A, BWV 1055: 3. Allegro ma non tanto
In C Minot, BWV 1060: 1. Allegro
In C Minot, BWV 1060: 2. Largo ovvero adagio
In C Minot, BWV 1060: 3. Allegro
In C, BWV 1061: 1. -
In C, BWV 1061: 2. Adagio
In C, BWV 1061: 3. Vivace
In C minor, BWV 1062: 1. -
In C minor, BWV 1062: 2. Andante e piano
In C minor, BWV 1062: 3. Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

leppard.......2007-03-24

I felt Leppard's execution was a bit pedestrian, but being a subjective impression, you may really like it. The music itself, of course, is wonderful.

they forgot the harpsichord.......2002-09-15

I was very disapointed with these cd's. I got them instead of Pinnock just because so often the violin concertos are tacked on to Bach recordings and I already had Grumiaux and was satisfied. But the harpsichord is so thin it is merely an ornament and relativily unimportant. I ended up going back for Pinnock. This might not be a bad background Christmas cd though.

Just Perfect.......2001-11-25

Unlike the usual recordings of Bach's keyboard concertos, the harpsichord is used in this Philips recording, instead of the piano. Listening to this quickly takes the listener back to the 18th century, a quality that a performance on a modern pianoforte lacks. The music is always played with respect to form and proper dynamics, surely what Bach himself would have wanted. Whether austere or light-hearted, these concertos are something all Bach lovers should have. Rarely do we have emotional depth, clear digital sound, and historical accuracy all together on one CD, but here we find it.

Bach for all ears.......2001-06-04

This recording is shurelly a "pick of the day" for almost all Bach melody lovers. It's light and dancing and although a little old fashioned never disapoints. Raimmond Leppard and the English Chamber Orch. make a wedding cuple and everithyng walks togheter. The tradicional string playing is sharp and warm and we fell back in time while listening. The clear and more dense Philips ADD recording is masterlly remastered and you can buy this set with eyes closed. It's a pity Philips didn't added one more CD with the concerts for 3 and 4 harpischords (this one a great energetic Vivaldi transcription of L'estro Harmônico Op.3 nº10), recorded with the same team. Go listen to it!

Average customer rating:

You will listen to the first selection 1000 times
WOW!

Bach:Three Keyboard Concertos

Manufacturer: Music Masters Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000FS2
Release Date: 1994-09-13

Tracks:

Con In d, BMV 1052 : Allegro
Con In d, BMV 1052 : Adagio
Con In d, BMV 1052 : Allegro
Con In d, BMV 1052 : Allegro
Con In E, BMV 1053: Siciliano
Con In E, BMV 1053: Allegro
Con in D, BMV 1054: Allegro
Con in D, BMV 1054: Adagio e piano sempre
Con in D, BMV 1054: Allegro

Amazon.com

These are excellent, lively Bach performances. Vladimir Feltsman plays the harpsichord parts with discretion on the piano, avoiding Romantic mannerisms and keeping to good Baroque style throughout. He also decorates the text as he goes along, a practice Bach would have recognized and appreciated. The little orchestra, although led by someone who is occupied elsewhere, never sounds rudderless and always plays its important lines with feeling. Aside from Glenn Gould, whose playing of these concertos is too detached for some listeners, Feltsman really has the field to himself in this music. The excellent recorded sound far surpasses Gould's. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

You will listen to the first selection 1000 times.......2005-10-13

This CD contains three keyboard concertos, played masterfully by Vladimir Feltsman.

The Concerto in D Minor is an incredible piece of music, the first movement being one of the grandest classical works I know. It seems almost experimental as if fighting conventional musical structures. It evokes devils and angels in its power and as the movement progresses the listener becomes entranced as the piece even becomes atonal and tense before cascading back into a force of nature. As I listen, I hear the composition begin to divert from harmonious chords onto the edge of disharmony, almost becoming frantic and lost, and then becoming found and organized again. I asked Jim whether he heard the piece almost dangerously disintegrate into discord but he did not hear it. But it is there and will convince you of the overwhelming mastery displayed in this first movement of the Concerto in D Minor.

Concerto in E Major is very good, meditative and structural, quite and solid, elegantly forming before your ears. By the third movement, the piece seems radically changed in the Allegro, springing up like grasshoppers in long grass, faster than you can catch them or sweep them from your clothes.

Concerto in D Major's first movement is grand and regal, full of pomp and juxtaposition and declaratory statements. The piece cascades all over, like a million marbles falling down a grand staircase. The tone changes in the middle movement, the Adagio e piano sempre, taking steps up and down, tentative, creeping gently like a mouse that peeps around corners, retreats, then peeps again. Listen to it and you will hear what I hear. It is the music of uncertainty but a silver graceful thin uncertainty.

I love this CD and found the first movement of Concerto in D Minor to be worth the price of the CD.

WOW!.......2003-02-26

To be perfectly honest, i havn't heard this cd yet (though i plan on buying it very shortly). But i DID happen to see feltsman live playing the first concerto with the Indiapolis Syphony Orchestra, and some of the most beutiful music came alive. Before seeing this performance i was much more partial to Beethoven and yearned for more excitement. But he sparked my love for bach with his dazzeling performance. Every single note was placed absolutetly PERFECT. The tempo of the last movement was set slightly faster than what i was to hear in other perfomances, but that only added to the dramatic intensity of my favorite bach mov't. Compared to other performances i'm familiar with, Feltsman blew perahia out of the water. Though as for gould, being the unorthodox genius that he is, gives an interpretation to his liking. And feltsman will give a more orthodox performance. Though i am a big fan of music being open to interpretation, feltsman is a great place to start.

Bach: Piano Concertos 1-7, BWV 1052-1058

Average customer rating:

Great quality CD

Bach: Piano Concertos 1-7, BWV 1052-1058
Bach , Andras Schiff , and Chamber Orchestra of Europe
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000E452
Release Date: 1991-01-18

Tracks:

Con No.1 in d, BWV 1052: I. Allegro
Con No.1 in d, BWV 1052: II. Adagio
Con No.1 in d, BWV 1052: III. Allegro
Con No.2 in E, BWV 1053: I. (Allegro)
Con No.2 in E, BWV 1053: II. Siciliano
Con No.2 in E, BWV 1053: III. Allegro
Con No.3 in D, BWV 1054: I. (Allegro)
Con No.3 in D, BWV 1054: II. Adagio e piano sempre
Con No.3 in D, BWV 1054: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Con No.4 in A, BWV 1055: I. Allegro
Con No.4 in A, BWV 1055: II. Larghetto
Con No.4 in A, BWV 1055: III. Allegro ma non tanto
Con No.5 in f, BWV 1056: I. (Allegro)
Con No.5 in f, BWV 1056: II. Largo
Con No.5 in f, BWV 1056: III. Presto
Con No.6 in F, BWV 1057: I. (Allegro)
Con No.6 in F, BWV 1057: II. Andante
Con No.6 in F, BWV 1057: III. Allegro assai
Con No.7 in g, BWV 1058: I. (Allegro)
Con No.7 in g, BWV 1058: II. Andante
Con No.7 in g, BWV 1058: III. Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

Great quality CD.......2004-12-08

I have heard these concerti performed live many times over the years and I really like Schiff's performace. Strong, energetic, yet sensitive. Some may say that Schiff can over-do the marcato, but not this time. They are my favorites. Bach's work is amazing, and Schiff & Co do it very, very well.
Essential fare for the Bach enthusist.

Average customer rating:

An edition to take into account!
Nostalgic work in the best pre-period performance style
Bach and Other Artists
EMI's Bach Bonanza.
EMI's Bach Bonanza.

Bach: Orchestral Suites & Concertos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
Beethoven: Piano Trios; Violin & Cello Sonatas
Mozart: Chamber Music

ASIN: B00005MIZP
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

Ste No.1 in C, BWV 1066: I. Ov - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.1 in C, BWV 1066: II. Courante - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.1 in C, BWV 1066: III. Gavottes 1 & 2 - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.1 in C, BWV 1066: IV. Forlane - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.1 in C, BWV 1066: V. Menuets 1 & 2 - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.1 in C, BWV 1066: VI. Bourrees 1 & 2 - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.1 in C, BWV 1066: VII. Passepieds 1 & 2 - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.2 in b, BWV 1067: I. Ov - Elaine Shaffer
Ste No.2 in b, BWV 1067: II. Rondeau - Elaine Shaffer
Ste No.2 in b, BWV 1067: III. Sarabande - Elaine Shaffer
Ste No.2 in b, BWV 1067: IV. Bourrees 1 & 2 - Elaine Shaffer
Ste No.2 in b, BWV 1067: V. Polonaise Et Double - Elaine Shaffer
Ste No.2 in b, BWV 1067: VI. Menuet - Elaine Shaffer
Ste No.2 in b, BWV 1067: VII. Badinerie - Elaine Shaffer
Ste No.3 in D, BWV 1068: I. Ov - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.3 in D, BWV 1068: II. Air - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.3 in D, BWV 1068: III. Gavottes 1 & 2 - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.3 in D, BWV 1068: IV. Bourree - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.3 in D, BWV 1068: V. Gigue - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin

Tracks:

Ste No.4 in D, BWV 1069: I. Ov - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.4 in D, BWV 1069: II. Bourrees 1 & 2 - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.4 in D, BWV 1069: III. Gavotte - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.4 in D, BWV 1069: IV. Menuet - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Ste No.4 in D, BWV 1069: V. Rejouissance - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Ricercare - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: 5 Canons - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Trio Son: I. Largo - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Trio Son: II. Allegro - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Trio Son: III. Andante - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Trio Son: IV. Allegro - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: 5 Canons - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin
Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Ricercare - Elaine Shaffer/Archie Camden/Ronald Kinloch Anderson/Yehudi Menuhin

Tracks:

Brandenburg Con No.1 in F, BWV 1046: I. (Allegro) - Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.1 in F, BWV 1046: II. Adagio - Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.1 in F, BWV 1046: III. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.1 in F, BWV 1046: IV. Menuetto - Trio I - Polacca - Trio II - Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: I. (Allegro) - Denis Clift/Christopher Taylor/Janet Craxton/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: II. Andante - Denis Clift/Christopher Taylor/Janet Craxton/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: III. Allegro Assai - Denis Clift/Christopher Taylor/Janet Craxton/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: I. (Allegro) - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: II. Adagio - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: III. Allegro - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.4 in G, BWV 1049: I. Allegro - Christopher Taylor/Richard Taylor/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.4 in G, BWV 1049: II. Andante - Christopher Taylor/Richard Taylor/Yehudi Menuhin
Brandenburg Con No.4 in G, BWV 1049: III. Presto - Christopher Taylor/Richard Taylor/Yehudi Menuhin

Tracks:

Brandenburg Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: I. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin/Elaine Shaffer/George Malcolm
Brandenburg Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: II. Affettuoso - Yehudi Menuhin/Elaine Shaffer/George Malcolm
Brandenburg Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: III. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin/Elaine Shaffer/George Malcolm
Brandenburg Con No.6 in B flat, BWV 1051: I. (Allegro) - Yehudi Menuhin/Patrick Ireland/Ambrose Gauntlet/Dennis Nesbitt/Derek Simpson
Brandenburg Con No.6 in B flat, BWV 1051: II. Adagio, Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin/Patrick Ireland/Ambrose Gauntlet/Dennis Nesbitt/Derek Simpson
Brandenburg Con No.6 in B flat, BWV 1051: III. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin/Patrick Ireland/Ambrose Gauntlet/Dennis Nesbitt/Derek Simpson
Con in a, BWV 1044: I. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin/William Bennett/George Malcolm
Con in a, BWV 1044: II. Adagio, Ma Non Tanto E Dolce - Yehudi Menuhin/William Bennett/George Malcolm
Con in a, BWV 1044: III. Alla Breve - Yehudi Menuhin/William Bennett/George Malcolm

Tracks:

Con in d, BWV 1052: I. Allegro - George Malcolm
Con in d, BWV 1052: II. Adagio - George Malcolm
Con in d, BWV 1052: III. Allegro - George Malcolm
Con in E, BWV 1053: I. (Allegro) - George Malcolm
Con in E, BWV 1053: II. Siciliano - George Malcolm
Con in E, BWV 1053: III. Allegro - George Malcolm
Con in D, BWV 1054: I. (Allegro) - George Malcolm
Con in D, BWV 1054: II. Adagio E Piano Sempre - George Malcolm
Con in D, BWV 1054: III. Allegro - George Malcolm
Con in A, BWV 1055: I. Allegro - George Malcolm
Con in A, BWV 1055: II. Larghetto - George Malcolm
Con in A, BWV 1055: III. Allegro, Ma Non Tanto - George Malcolm

Tracks:

Con in f, BWV 1056: I. (Allegro) - George Malcolm
Con in f, BWV 1056: II. Largo - George Malcolm
Con in f, BWV 1056: III. Presto - George Malcolm
Con in c, BWV 1060: I. Allegro - George Malcolm/Simon Preston
Con in c, BWV 1060: II. Adagio - George Malcolm/Simon Preston
Con in c, BWV 1060: III. Allegro - George Malcolm/Simon Preston
Con in C, BWV 1061: I. (Allegro) - George Malcolm/Simon Preston
Con in C, BWV 1061: II. Adagio Ovvero Largo - George Malcolm/Simon Preston
Con in C, BWV 1061: III. Fuga - George Malcolm/Simon Preston
Con in C, BWV 1064: I. Allegro - Eileen Joyce/George Malcolm/Thurston Dart
Con in C, BWV 1064: II. Adagio - Eileen Joyce/George Malcolm/Thurston Dart
Con in C, BWV 1064: III. Allegro - Eileen Joyce/George Malcolm/Thurston Dart
Con in a, BWV 1065: I. (Allegro) - Eileen Joyce/George Malcolm/Thurston Dart/Denis Vaughan
Con in a, BWV 1065: II. Largo - Eileen Joyce/George Malcolm/Thurston Dart/Denis Vaughan
Con in a, BWV 1065: III. Allegro (Vivace) - Eileen Joyce/George Malcolm/Thurston Dart/Denis Vaughan

Tracks:

Con in a, BWV 1041: I. (Allegro) - Yehudi Menuhin
Con in a, BWV 1041: II. Andante - Yehudi Menuhin
Con in a, BWV 1041: III. Allegro Assai - Yehudi Menuhin
Con in d, BWV 1043: I. Vivace - Yehudi Menuhin/Christian Ferras
Con in d, BWV 1043: II. Largo, Ma Non Tanto - Yehudi Menuhin/Christian Ferras
Con in d, BWV 1043: III. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin/Christian Ferras
Con in E, BWV 1042: I. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin
Con in E, BWV 1042: II. Adagio - Yehudi Menuhin
Con in E, BWV 1042: III. Allegro Assai - Yehudi Menuhin
Con in d, BWV 1060: I. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin/Leon Goossens
Con in d, BWV 1060: II. Adagio - Yehudi Menuhin/Leon Goossens
Con in d, BWV 1060: III. Allegro - Yehudi Menuhin/Leon Goossens

Customer Reviews:

An edition to take into account!.......2007-04-04

The role of conductor of Yehudi Menuhin tends to be overlooked because its fame as renowned soloist and the final result of this wrong assertion has been the neglect of many of his conducted works like this one for instance. This set stands out among the most prestigious and brilliant ever made. You may regard them a little romantic but even so, the profound vitality and supreme commitment of Menuhin as director may be carved in relief.

So, please, flee all skepticism in which concerns this album and go without hesitating. It' s a worthwhile edition

Nostalgic work in the best pre-period performance style.......2006-11-17

This box is a nostalgic event for anyone that started listening to and collecting Bach recordings in the post World War II era. It is, indeed, an exemplar of the way Bach was interpreted in the "new" authenticity of the postwar period where Karl Munchinger and Pablo Casals were among the better interpreters of the composer.

In fact, the way Yehudi Menhuin leads the Bath Festival Orchestra in his readings of the Four Orchestral Suites reminds me very much of that old 2-LP set I had by Casals and the Marlboro Orchestra way back when. Denis Clift's trumpeting in the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, more than any other recording of the music I've heard, reminds me of the opening of William Buckley's weekly polticial talk show that used to be on PBS in the 1970s. And George Malcolm's loving playing of Largo from the Harpsichord Concerto in F, BWV 1056, reminds me of its use in Woody Allen's film "Hannah and Her Sisters".

So is there more to this set than nostalgia? That depends on your perspective. If you are under age 40 and have been raised in the Speedy Gonzales period practice performance environment of ancient instruments, sour woodwinds, wiry strings and off-pitch playing, you may not immediately find equal enjoyment in this set.

If you are broad-minded about Bach performance you'll find a set that includes almost every significant piece of "orchestral" music by Bach performed with rapt attention, British reserve, and much love and kindness in andantes and largos. Even that old intellectual exercise for musicians, The Art of Fugue, is played musically and has allure for nonplayers who simply listen to the music without a score.

One significant caveat for all listeners: the middle section of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 substitutes a lengthy unBachian movement arranged by British composer Benjamin Britten. Critics often said Britten's recording of the Brandenburg's was one great composer interpreting another. In this movement, it appears Britten tried to merge with Bach. I wouldn't say the results are completely successful.

Otherwise there are multiple felicities inside this box. While Menhuin gets top billing and has his face plastered on every slipcase, I think harpsichordist George Malcolm is the star of the program. Playing a harpsichored that sounds a lot like the one Lurch played on "The Addams Family" television show of the period, Malcolm is always the arbiter or propriety and good judgment in the various concerti, whether he is playing solo or with partners in 2-, 3- or 4-harpsichored concerti featuring the likes of Thurston Dart, Denis Mathews and Simon Preston. In particular, the concerti BWV 1054, 1060-61 and 1064-65 are wonderfully done with taste, humanity and style.

I would also draw attention to magnificent readings of the Triple Concerto BWV 1044 and the Double Concerto for violin and harpsichored BWV 1066. I think the former concerto, which features marvelous playing by soloists Menhuin on violin, William Bennett on flute, and Malcolm on harpsichord, is one of the most satisfyings readings of this music I've ever heard.

The Bath Festival Orchestra is never less than inspired under Menhuin in the Brandenburg concertos, where they are ably assisted by soloists Malcolm, flutist Elaine Schaffer, and Christopher Taylor on recorder, among others. While Menhuin's style in the Orchestral Suites may seem a tad reserved and deliberate by 21st century PPP standards, they are never less than musically performed and always project the Bach that begot 20-plus children and buried 10 of them and a young wife during his lifetime. There is nary an episode of showmanship or stylistic pursuit for its own purposes; everything is done to illuminate Bach and his message.

Bach's humanity is constantly on display in this wonderfully consistent collection of performances from a past era that is still relevant in today's more wildy colorful, personal and rambunctious epoch. The recordings, which were made from 1956-74, are typical of the crossover from mono to multimiked stereo. Yet the recordings never draw undue attention to themselves; it is the players that draw attention to the composer.

As other reviewers here has said, this is an unusually generous collection of Bach's most popular music on 7 CDs. You don't have to be an old timer to enjoy this collection although it helps. If you are relatively new to Bach, think of this as an exemplar of the way things once were in the very best sense of that affirmation.

Bach and Other Artists.......2006-04-04

I must confess that I'm interested mostly in this collection of Bach's music because the flutist is Elaine Shaffer. My first exposure to her playing was the Bach Flute Sonatas, and that was maybe 25 years ago that I purchased the two volume set on vinyl LP's. And still, 25 years later, I have yet to hear the Sonatas played more beautifully than by by Ms. Shaffer. The flute world owes her a great debt. She was the first female flute concert artist in the world. I'm sorry she came to an early end with lung cancer just two months after recording the Bach Sonatas and the piece for Flute and Piano she had a large part in getting commissioned by Copland in memory of her teacher at Curtis Institute, William Kincaid after his death. Her playing in this recording of Bach pieces with other great artists and the Bath Chamber Orchestra are tastefully and beautifully played, just like everything she played. I mourn her early departure from the music world.

EMI's Bach Bonanza........2004-08-03

And what is the period? The recordings were made between 1956 and 1973. Ears attuned to contemporary styles of Bach performance will hear things that are different here. Period instruments are not used (if you accept violas da gamba as not strictly "period"). Warmth and affection rather than authenticity and precision characterize performances. The engineering seems aimed at balancing Bach's contrapuntal textures so that everything can be heard, rather than capturing what occurs in actual performance. Accordingly, the harpsichord contributions are audibly prominent, and sometimes they have the capacity to swell and fade in ways that Wanda Landowska might even have thought excessive.

Remastering was done in the 1990s and this compilation was released in 2001.

EMI's Bach Bonanza. .......2004-08-03

I know of no CD issue that packs as much of the orchestral music of J S Bach into one budget-priced box as this issue. Active in and inspiring the performances of all but two of the works is Yehudi Menuhin. He directs these performances while playing either violin or viola. He also attracts eminent fellow instrumentalists to contribute as required, so that the roster reads like a Who's Who of EMI recording artists of the period.

And what is the period? The recordings were made between 1956 and 1973. Ears attuned to contemporary styles of Bach performance will hear things that are different here. Period instruments are not used (if you accept violas da gamba as not strictly "period"). Warmth and affection rather than authenticity and precision characterize performances. The engineering seems aimed at balancing Bach's contrapuntal textures so that everything can be heard, rather than capturing what occurs in actual performance. Accordingly, the harpsichord contributions are audibly prominent, and sometimes they have the capacity to swell and fade in ways that Wanda Landowska might even have thought excessive.

Remastering was done in the 1990s and this compilation was released in 2001.

Average customer rating:

Pinnock again owns Bach

Complete Harpsichord Concertos
Bach , Pinnock , and Ecc
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00006IQFL
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Customer Reviews:

Pinnock again owns Bach.......2005-03-17

Trevor Pinnock, in my opinion, is one of the best conductors/harpsichordists for Bach. He usually delivers incredible performances, and every one in this set is most definitely an incredible performance. The sound quality is wonderful.

However, a word of caution. Before you decide to buy this set of only the Harpsichord Concertos, I highly recommend also looking at the set titled "Bach Concertos" also with Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert. This set includes all of the same performances that are in this set, but it also includes the concertos for Violin, Flute, and Oboe d'Amore, and for only about $15 more. I recommend just buying the complete Concerto set, even if you think you only need the Harpsichord Concertos. You will thank yourself later for it. I highly regret overlooking it, because now I have to sell my Harpsichord Concertos set and buy the complete Concertos.

Average customer rating:

Sprightly Bach Harpsichord Concerti Well-Played and Recorded

Bach: Harpsichord Concertos, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000C16SI
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Customer Reviews:

Sprightly Bach Harpsichord Concerti Well-Played and Recorded.......2003-10-30

I've heard many recordings of the Bach harpsichord concerti over the years and one of my complaints is that although it may be true to performance practice, most times you can't hear the harpsichord well enough. And that's one reason that I tend to prefer these concerti with piano or fortepiano. (It also doesn't hurt that I'm an old pianist still in love with the sound of my own instrument.) These performances, though, pass muster for me. This CD is labeled as 'Volume 1,' so presumably we can look for further recordings. This one contains the Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052; in D major, BWV 1054; and in E major, BWV 1053.

These recordings, I'm happy to say, have the harpsichord soloist aurally out front. Lars Ulrik Mortensen is both soloist and conductor and he does a bang-up job. Tempi are sprightly but not rushed. Articulations are crisp and phrasing is nicely molded. The recorded sound is exceptional. My only quibble is that for some strange reason towards the end of the first movement of the D Minor Concerto MOrtensen does some weird tempo tugging, slowing down to a crawl and then suddenly speeding up again. At first I thought there was a glitch in the CD, but on close listening it is obvious that this is what he intended because he does it again later. I don't see any indication for this in my own score of the concerto and I have no idea what he's doing here. Otherwise, though, and in the other movements, nothing similar ever happens again except for some slight slowing at cadences.

The excellent chamber orchestra (13 players) here is new to me. Formed in 1990,they call themselves 'Concerto Copenhagen', 'CoCo' for short. They are a group of young Danish musicians on period instruments. And they are good! Mortensen, who was once cembalist in the London Baroque, became their music director four years ago.

Certainly I would recommend these performances, even as an only recording. They are that good. As to the music itself, it proves that Bach, rather than the old fogey he is usually painted to be, was out front when it came to invention of the solo concerto form with these and the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto. But then Bach's my man, and can do no wrong.

TT=55:57

Scott Morrison

Music Track: