Johann Sebastian Bach, Christopher Hogwood, Christophe Rousset, The Academy of Ancient Music - Bach - The Orchestral Suites / Rousset, AAM, Hogwood

Exceptional control, no musical sacrifice.

These are the best recordings of the Orchestral Suites that I've heard. Hogwood excercises exceptional control over his ensemble, as well as keeping the tempos at a musically pleasing level. As a side note, whomever the timpanist is ought to be commended! A great value, a great buy! March 30, 2006

Fine Recording Of Master's Work

Having just attended a performance of Orchestral Suite No.4 In D Major, I was delighted to hear this historical performance.

The period instruments certainly lend a different quality than the more modern sounds. One has to appreciate the difference that Bach had at the time with instrumentation. Immediately after performing this Bach, the symphony played Beethoven's Ninth. The change in instruments in remarkable and thus the sound!

What could Bach have done with this?

What is relevant though is this fine performance of these first performed likely at Cothen by the Collegium musicum. There is such a variety in them, dance, choir like instrumentation, etc.

Marvelous conducting by Hogwood of the distinguished Academy of Ancient Music. I'm so fond of the wonderful harpsichord work done here brilliantly by Rousset and Hogwood.

Great value and quality. November 7, 2002

A historical performance in all aspects

This recording should be concidered
a historical performance, done with
historical acurracy. The four orchestral
suites by Bach as the composer himself
might of heard them.The only other group
that matches the Academy's brilliant
performances is Jordi Savall's Concert
des Nations. This recording also
include two Harpsichord Concertos by Bach
the BWV 1060 and 1062. Since all of Bach's
Harpasichord Concerto are really arregements of
other works, 1062 is an arrengement of Bach's
Concerto for two violins.Wonderful recording and
great historical accurracy. May 2, 2002

Close to the Vest

I actually found this a bit too conservative of a performance for my tastes. It's technically all there, but there is no real emotion in the piece. These suites in live performance sing, leaping off the stage with emotion and power. Here, all that seems to have been sacrificed for correctness. As background music, it is fine, but look elsewhere if you want to experience the emotional power of these works. April 7, 2001

Great performance by Hogwood

This album is the best choice for Orchestral Suites of Bach. As always, the ancient music style of Hogwood gives so fast rythm that even novice of classical music can enjoy this album without being boring. Don't miss this album. August 4, 2000

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