Brilliant Classics must-haves

[FideLeo]

Here is the Brilliant Box Set that I am now considering for purchase. 

Be advised, though, he only used ONE instrument for all 11 cd's worth of music
(a Ruckers replica).  Both Baumont and Rousset changed keyboards for each
livre.

[Harry]

Be advised, though, he only used ONE instrument for all 11 cd's worth of music
(a Ruckers replica).  Both Baumont and Rousset changed keyboards for each
livre.

But with all respect for the different instruments Baumont and Rousset used, the Ruckers replica made by the famous Cornelis Bom sounds absolutely gorgeous.
And I have the Baumont set too, which is very good also, but I return more often to the Brilliant set!
But Barrie is old and wise enough to make the right decision I am sure!

[FideLeo]

But Barrie is old and wise enough to make the right decision I am sure!

Now lets set things straight here.
I am merely informing her of something that she may not know before making the purchase.
Not making the "right" decision for her mark you.  

[Bunny]

Be advised, though, he only used ONE instrument for all 11 cd's worth of music
(a Ruckers replica).  Both Baumont and Rousset changed keyboards for each
livre.

I've actually managed to find a review of the set on MusicWeb.  Borgstede did use 2 harpsichords, one of which the reviewer found problematic:

Before talking about the qualities of Michael Borgstede's interpretation, let me concentrate on the technicalities. Borgstede uses two harpsichords, both built by the Dutch harpsichord builder Titus Crijnen. The first - used in the books 1 to 3 - is a copy of a Ruckers, dating from 1638. This is a little surprising as it seems a little unlikely that in Couperin's time such an early instrument would have been used. It is a beautiful specimen, but its tone is a little too aggressive. I find the second instrument, after an original by Henri Hemsch from 1754, more appropriate to Couperin's music.

However, the general quality of the set is very good, and the price (in US dollars) is extremely good -- especially from some of the Amazon partners.  Right now, the Spieth intégrale totals $300 (US) which is too rich for my blood.  Solstice doesn't distribute in the US, so it's hard to find here, necessitating the purchase in Euros, and the dollar has taken an awful beating lately.  The B/C set is widely distributed.  As for the Baumont, that again is extremely expensive, with the various livres selling from $60 - $120 (shipping extra)!  Worse, the set is not widely distributed, and the various parts are extremely difficult to locate.    

For all practical purposes, the only complete set of Couperin that is easily available to me is the B/C box set.   If the set is good enough to stand the comparison to the Rousset which I already have, then I will purchase it, but everything is fluid right now.

Edit:  I've managed to locate the Baumont on a lucky google search!  Price for the "intégrale" is competitive with the B/C box.  I may very well buy both sets as together they are less than 1/3 the price of the Spieth...

[Harry]

I do not understand what this reviewer is talking about, both instruments sound lovely, and not aggressive at all!

[Bunny]

I do not understand what this reviewer is talking about, both instruments sound lovely, and not aggressive at all!

I think he is put off by the fact that the harpsichord is from too early a period for the music.  Apparently he found the sound of the instrument inappropriate.  Well, chacun à son goût as Couperin might have said with a Gallic shrug of his shoulders! That type of criticism makes no sense to me either. 

Meanwhile here is another survey of Couperin cds with a brief review of the Borgstede from La Folia.

Now I'm beginning to worry that all of this thinking may lead me to buy 3 sets of Couperin ...

Edit:  More Reviews.

[Harry]

I think he is put off by the fact that the harpsichord is from too early a period for the music.  Apparently he found the sound of the instrument inappropriate.  Well, chacun à son goût as Couperin might have said with a Gallic shrug of his shoulders! That type of criticism makes no sense to me either. 

Meanwhile here is another survey of Couperin cds with a brief review of the Borgstede from La Folia.

Now I'm beginning to worry that all of this thinking may lead me to buy 3 sets of Couperin ...

Edit:  More Reviews.

Well start with the Borgstede, and see if you have wishes beyond that Barrie

[MichaelRabin]

How about that Muti Tchaikovsky Sym set? Any good?

Classics Today gave it 10/10.

[Harry]

How about that Muti Tchaikovsky Sym set? Any good?

Classics Today gave it 10/10.

Excellent performances, good sound too, EMI you see. Buy them with confidence!

[Grazioso]

How about that Muti Tchaikovsky Sym set? Any good?

Classics Today gave it 10/10.

Quite impressive based on the pieces I've heard so far, such as the Pathetique just last night, in fact.

[FideLeo]

Well start with the Borgstede, and see if you have wishes beyond that Barrie

Well I must say I couldn't even make it to livre 4 with the Borgstede (maybe that's why I
thought he used only one instrument?   )  Are you sure you are telling Bunny the "right"
choice to make?  Hmm?  

[The new erato]

Well I must say I couldn't even make it to livre 4 with the Borgstede (maybe that's why I
thought he used only one instrument?   )  Are you sure you are telling Bunny the "right"
choice to make?  Hmm?  

I've listened to it all and liked it a lot. Found the playing very sensitive, and the sound very good. I didn't even notice there were two different instruments involved.

[Brian]

How about that Muti Tchaikovsky Sym set? Any good?

Classics Today gave it 10/10.

A truly great Fourth, excellent Sixth if you turn the volume up, a very slow, stately Fifth (if that's your taste - it's not mine) and the whole box also comes with a fantabulous Manfred, a really great performance of the Second, and a lovely Serenade for Strings plus other fillers.

[Harry]

I've listened to it all and liked it a lot. Found the playing very sensitive, and the sound very good. I didn't even notice there were two different instruments involved.

My sentiment also.

[Bunny]

Well start with the Borgstede, and see if you have wishes beyond that Barrie

Harry, I think you misunderstand.  This is not a starter set for me as I already have the Rousset Couperin (which included the "L'Apothéose de Lulli" with William Christie in the box).  Instead I am looking for fresh takes on the music.  Borgstede and Baumont are both appealing since it's impossible to find any other sets at reasonable price.  My biggest dilemma at this point is whether I shouldn't also acquire the Spieth set since it tends to go out of print very quickly. 

Do I or don't I buy all three?  What a dilemma. 

[Harry]

Harry, I think you misunderstand.  This is not a starter set for me as I already have the Rousset Couperin (which included the "L'Apothéose de Lulli" with William Christie in the box).  Instead I am looking for fresh takes on the music.  Borgstede and Baumont are both appealing since it's impossible to find any other sets at reasonable price.  My biggest dilemma at this point is whether I shouldn't also acquire the Spieth set since it tends to go out of print very quickly. 

Do I or don't I buy all three?  What a dilemma. 

Right, well my recommendation firmly stays put, for all what is said about this set.

[FideLeo]

My biggest dilemma at this point is whether I shouldn't also acquire the Spieth set since it tends to go out of print very quickly. 

Do I or don't I buy all three?  What a dilemma. 

Well, why not if you have the funds...

I have about half of the Spieth... you might want to have a complete set if her style is right for you.
I am not addicted to Couperin so I have decided that it will be a non-issue to me. 

[Que]

Harry, I think you misunderstand.  This is not a starter set for me as I already have the Rousset Couperin (which included the "L'Apothéose de Lulli" with William Christie in the box).  Instead I am looking for fresh takes on the music.  Borgstede and Baumont are both appealing since it's impossible to find any other sets at reasonable price.  My biggest dilemma at this point is whether I shouldn't also acquire the Spieth set since it tends to go out of print very quickly. 

Do I or don't I buy all three?  What a dilemma. 

Well, why not if you have the funds...

I have about half of the Spieth... you might want to have a complete set if her style is right for you.
I am not addicted to Couperin so I have decided that it will be a non-issue to me. 

I have the Rousset set and the Spieth - two great, but very different interpretations. From what I've heard, I would definitely choose Baumont over Borgstede. But on my list for a third, and for the forseeable future, last set is Scott Ross (STIL).

Q

[Bunny]

I have the Rousset set and the Spieth - two great, but very different interpretations. From what I've heard, I would definitely choose Baumont over Borgstede. But on my list for a third, and for the forseeable future, last set is Scott Ross (STIL).

Q

The Scott Ross is the set I have tried to obtain so many times, only to come out empty handed.   Please let me know where it is available!

I have read that the Baumont is a very introspective (lugubrious) interpretation.  That is one of the reasons I have been hesitating.

[FideLeo]

I have read that the Baumont is a very introspective (lugubrious) interpretation.  That is one of the reasons I have been hesitating.

Yes, it is more introspective than the other ones here (I like my Couperin introspective; it's more private music than salon music) -- but no, not lugubrious except to the French reviewer you read.  But I have the feeling that Spieth will be probably a more expensive but safer option for you.