The biggest regrets concerning your record collection

[springrite]

I won't speak for Springrite, but I think the Magic flute has the most unfavorable ratio of story to music.  The first act works nicely but it breaks down after that (for me).

Or all those where when one character changes cloth not even those intimate to him or her can recognize him/her. Cosi comes to mind but there are dozens more. Stories based on such silly mistaken identities bore me. I shall gladly take the music but spare me the stories.

[Scarpia]

Or all those where when one character changes cloth not even those intimate to him or her can recognize him/her. Cosi comes to mind but there are dozens more. Stories based on such silly mistaken identities bore me. I shall gladly take the music but spare me the stories.

To mutate the subject somewhat, in "bad" opera like "Zauberflote" I still find it important to know the words to any given Aria because the music and the words have an important relationship to each other.  That is independent of the fact that the story as a whole doesn't make sense or seem compelling to me.

[Brahmsian]

On the other hand, there are probably a lot of people here who think I am a lunatic for never having even heard Handel's Messiah.

Don't worry, I don't think you are missing much.  I heard it once in its entirety, and probably never will again.

[Sergeant Rock]

Don't worry, I don't think you are missing much.  I heard it once in its entirety, and probably never will again.

[Brahmsian]

Just not my thing.  Perhaps I'll give the German version a try, or Latin    Or the Messiah without words. 

[Bulldog]

At this point, I would probably opt for piano, Don.  However, I enjoy the harpsichord as well.  Just need to make this a priority.

Given all the rewarding WTC's on the market, I'll be interested in how you make your acquisition decision.  It won't be easy unless you intend to buy a bunch of them.

[Scarpia]

Given all the rewarding WTC's on the market, I'll be interested in how you make your acquisition decision.  It won't be easy unless you intend to buy a bunch of them.

It will be easy once he realizes that it doesn't really matter which recording he picks.  It will still be Bach.  For a first pick, I'd restrict consideration to modern recordings with good sound, Schiff, Hewitt, Ashkenazy, Crossland, etc. 

[Josquin des Prez]

Schiff, Hewitt, Ashkenazy, Crossland, etc.

God, no. Gotta get a standard pick, at least go for Richter, Gould or Kenneth Gilbert. 

[Scarpia]

God, no. Gotta get a standard pick, at least go for Richter, Gould or Kenneth Gilbert.

The first two are idiosyncratic, in my impression, and the last in not on piano.

[Bulldog]

It will be easy once he realizes that it doesn't really matter which recording he picks.  It will still be Bach.  For a first pick, I'd restrict consideration to modern recordings with good sound, Schiff, Hewitt, Ashkenazy, Crossland, etc.

I listen to various WTC's many hours every week, and I think it matters a great deal which recording is picked.  Scarpia listed some fine sets; same with JdP.  The only one above that I would not recommend is the Ashkenazy - little variety of color and texture.  Over the long haul, I think Ash. gets a little boring.

Regardless of those recordings recommended, the only person in this instance who counts is Bogey.  If I knew his  preferences, I could give worthy advice.  But Bogey might not even at this point have any particular parameters.

[DavidRoss]

Aside from the Brandenburg Concerti, what music by Bach would be prioritized above the WTC? 

Goldbergs
Cello Suites
Violin S&Ps
Violin ctos
SMP
maybe AoF and selected cantatas

[Scarpia]

Goldbergs
Cello Suites
Violin S&Ps
Violin ctos
SMP
maybe AoF and selected cantatas

Those are all favorite pieces, but in my own personal pantheon the WTC is supreme.

[DavidRoss]

It will be easy once he realizes that it doesn't really matter which recording he picks.  It will still be Bach.  For a first pick, I'd restrict consideration to modern recordings with good sound, Schiff, Hewitt, Ashkenazy, Crossland, etc.

All tasty and I'd be surprised if Bill disliked any of 'em.

[Leon]

If I were asked to suggest recordings of the WTC, I'd offer two, one modern, one period

1. Rosalyn Tureck



2. Gustav Leonhardt (Bk. 1 pictured, but Bk. 2 is also available)

[Scarpia]

All tasty and I'd be surprised if Bill disliked any of 'em.

Hmm, surprized by the hatin' on Ashkenazy here. 

[Bulldog]

Hmm, surprized by the hatin' on Ashkenazy here.

I must have listened to the Ashkenazy at least 20 times.  For me, he peaked on about the 5th hearing; after that, it was all downhill.  No hating involved, but his is the least rewarding of all WTC's I know except for one by a Jeffrey Middleton that was a real snoozer.

[Scarpia]

I must have listened to the Ashkenazy at least 20 times.  For me, he peaked on about the 5th hearing; after that, it was all downhill.  No hating involved, but his is the least rewarding of all WTC's I know except for one by a Jeffrey Middleton that was a real snoozer.

I listened to mine twice.  That's why I like it, I guess.   

[Josquin des Prez]

Ashkenazy is better as a chamber musician then as a soloist.

[Bulldog]

If I were asked to suggest recordings of the WTC, I'd offer two, one modern, one period

1. Rosalyn Tureck

I go under the knife tomorrow morning, so I'll definitely be listening to the Tureck tonight (my favorite recording of any repertoire).

[Scarpia]

I go under the knife tomorrow morning, so I'll definitely be listening to the Tureck tonight (my favorite recording of any repertoire).

Nothing serious, I hope.  Best of luck.