Bach: Brandenburg Concertos (Complete)

best musical companion

Most people have encountered the Brandenburg Concertos BWV 1046-1051 in the form of Brandenburg Concerto number 3 BWV 1048. I think I have even heard the first movement used for a TV ad more than once. In a way this serves as a small demonstration of the continuing significance of Bach's music more than three hundred years after they were written. Supposedly composed in 1721 during the time in his life when he was under the employ of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cöthen as Kepellmeister, the Brandenburg Concertos are considered to be some of the finest examples of Baroque music. Interestingly, it was also during this period when Bach composed the Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello BWV 1007-1012 and the Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin BWV 1001-1006, each set held in high regard as requisite pieces for mastery of their respective instruments. As opposed to the experience afforded by full orchestra music, I find the Brandenburg Concertos were meant for cozy listening. To me, this makes this music ideal accompaniment to just about anything. But it certainly will not disappoint the intent listener. As a bonus, this CD set contains the two violin concertos BWV 1041-1042, which I find adds balance to the overall experience. This is a real bargain. April 20, 2008

another superb standard from Philips Duo

While living in Costa Rica, my only convenient place to buy classical CDs was a bookstore that was heavy into the Philips Duo package. As a result, I now own many recordings in this series. Nobody beats Philips Duo for producing affordable recordings of venerable performances at the highest artistic and technical standards.

I musici playing all of Bach's Brandenburg and Violin concerti is no exception. The oldest performances on this double-CD set are a half-century old. Yet they sound as crisp and clear as you'd hear them this evening in the concert hall. That's simply awesome.

Bach is played here with a kind of competent serenity. This is untroubled, deeply satisfying music performed by a consort that made itself a household name among Baroque music lovers for readings that are both superb and conventional in the best sense of both words.

You might want to own a second recording of these pieces, deeply engrained in the standard repertoire as they are. But you'll not find a better first recording than this set. March 14, 2008

COMPLETE Brandenburg Concertos . . .

Excellent. I enjoy Bach but haven't been able to get the complete Brandenburg Concertos. This is excellent listening for classical music lovers. February 23, 2006

Wundebar!

I would just like to tell anyone interested in this recording that it is an excellent one. The musicianship is superior, and the sound is fantastic. The listener however, should be aware of the stylistic tendencies of the recording.
If you are looking for the historical kind of recording, this probably is not the ideal choice. The tempos tend to be on the slower side, and mostly modern instruments are used. Nevertheless, if you are not primarily interested in a historically accurate recording, this is wonderful.
All of the pieces have their own distinct character. I personally enjoy Concerto number 4: the recorders give it a light, almost "adorable" kind a feel, as ridiculous as that may sound. Number 5 has a great presentation of the harpsichord. Number 6 is also a rather interesting piece because it involves no violins. Don't underestimate that concerto's poignancy and ability however; the lower strings are more than capable of expression on their own.
I could go on about this recording extensively, but, for the reader's sake as well as mine, I'll end it now. In short, it's a great recording, and I highly recommend it. November 19, 2005

There seems to be two dominant Brandenburg styles

There's the slow, baroque and very medieval sounding playing and then there's the modern, faster paced playing. I think both are laudable, so I would probably recommend you look at this one and the Anthony Newman one. I personally prefer the Anthony Newman one, as it provides very strong horns and harpsichord with an upbeat tempo. Just thought I'd mention this as most of the Brandenburg stuff I hear over the radio or in 90% of CD's is the slow baroque style. September 30, 2002

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