Bach Brilliant edition and other large box set recordings

[Larry Rinkel]

I found them invigorating - a world away from some laid-back interpretations I've heard. They sparkle, and for me, bring out the joy of the music.

Then we will have to agree to disagree. 

[Mark]

Then we will have to agree to disagree. 

Agreed.

[Larry Rinkel]

and yes the Rifkin favorite cantata set which I simply adore to name a few.

The Rifkin set fills a need I can't find elsewhere, namely a compendium of several well-known cantatas. I could wish for a 4-6 CD set of the same, offering perhaps a couple of dozen of the best ones. Otherwise I know of nothing to bridge the gap between 1-CD sets and huge boxes like the Leonhardt/Harnoncourt. But the 1-voice to a part thing pretty much disqualifies Rifkin for me, even if all else is equal. There is, after all, documentary evidence that Bach wanted several singers to a part, and 1-v 1-p obliterates the distinction between choruses and solos in the cantatas. I found a 2-CD set on EMI with 80, 140, 147, and the Jesu meine Freude motet, but the performances of 80 and 140 were so dreary I couldn't keep this one.

[marvinbrown]

There is, after all, documentary evidence that Bach wanted several singers to a part, and 1-v 1-p obliterates the distinction between choruses and solos in the cantatas. I found a 2-CD set on EMI with 80, 140, 147, and the Jesu meine Freude motet, but the performances of 80 and 140 were so dreary I couldn't keep this one.

  If I am not mistaken Larry I believe Bach also wanted some of the cantatas to be performed by an all-boys choir, or so this Brilliant Bach mega-set I was inquiring about claims.  Yes the Rifkin set is one voice to a part and looses out on the power derived from a choir.

  marvin

[Don]

I found them invigorating - a world away from some laid-back interpretations I've heard. They sparkle, and for me, bring out the joy of the music.

I also find Pinnock's versions outstanding.

[Don]

  If I am not mistaken Larry I believe Bach also wanted some of the cantatas to be performed by an all-boys choir, or so this Brilliant Bach mega-set I was inquiring about claims.  Yes the Rifkin set is one voice to a part and looses out on the power derived from a choir.

  marvin

I don't agree, feeling that the Rifkin offers plenty of power.  Microphone placement and a relatively high volume takes care of the "choir" issue for me.

[Don]

The Rifkin set fills a need I can't find elsewhere, namely a compendium of several well-known cantatas. I could wish for a 4-6 CD set of the same, offering perhaps a couple of dozen of the best ones. Otherwise I know of nothing to bridge the gap between 1-CD sets and huge boxes like the Leonhardt/Harnoncourt.

Most of the recordings in the Koopman Cantatas series offer 3-cd sets.

[Mark]

I also find Pinnock's versions outstanding.

Y'know, Don, I ought to pay more heed to your musical tastes. I've noticed myself agreeing with you on recordings (and more) quite a bit these past few months.

[Larry Rinkel]

  If I am not mistaken Larry I believe Bach also wanted some of the cantatas to be performed by an all-boys choir, or so this Brilliant Bach mega-set I was inquiring about claims.

Bach used boys for all the treble (soprano and alto) parts. Most likely this age-old practice stems from St. Paul's prohibition against women singing in church. The Harnoncourt/Leonhardt cantata set uses boys for many of the solo arias as well, with results ranging from the "pretty good" to "ghastly shrieking" and "why are they putting the poor kid (and us) through such torture." Interestingly, even H/L break down and use women at times, for example in the bravura solo soprano cantata #51, Jauchzet Gott.

[Larry Rinkel]

Most of the recordings in the Koopman Cantatas series offer 3-cd sets.

OK, but what I would like is a nice 4-6 CD set with the most popular cantatas: e.g., 4, 51, 140, 147, 198, 80, 78, 104, 65, 106, 131 (we can disagree on the selection, but you see what I mean).

[Don]

Y'know, Don, I ought to pay more heed to your musical tastes. I've noticed myself agreeing with you on recordings (and more) quite a bit these past few months.

I've noticed it also.

[Don]

OK, but what I would like is a nice 4-6 CD set with the most popular cantatas: e.g., 4, 51, 140, 147, 198, 80, 78, 104, 65, 106, 131 (we can disagree on the selection, but you see what I mean).

Understood - well, keep wishing.  Some day your dreams will come true.

[Larry Rinkel]

Understood - well, keep wishing.  Some day your dreams will come true.

Aw, shucks. Thanks, Don. 

[Anne]

Larry,

Would you please list the recommended recordings for the list you made?  I would really appreciate it.

[Norbeone]

I think the amazingly warm and dare I say 'chocolaty' sound of Pinnock's harpsichord may have something to do with his popularity, i'm nearly sure.

[Larry Rinkel]

Larry,

Would you please list the recommended recordings for the list you made?  I would really appreciate it.

I can only list ones I recommend, which will differ from most others here.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

OK, but what I would like is a nice 4-6 CD set with the most popular cantatas: e.g., 4, 51, 140, 147, 198, 80, 78, 104, 65, 106, 131 (we can disagree on the selection, but you see what I mean).

Herreweghe has a couple of nifty 5 CD boxes:

This one I own.

This one I do not.

Though shelf life seems spotty...

[Anne]

I can only list ones I recommend, which will differ from most others here.

Yes, your recommended ones are the ones I meant.  Thank you

[marvinbrown]

  OK I think we have drifted off-topic a bit here.  Needless to say, there seems to be a consensus against the Bach Brilliant mega-box set with GMG members preferring to collect specific recordings that please them.  Fair enough, as for me I have decided at this moment in time NOT to purchase this set- the less than stellar reviews had a lot to do with my decision.  As I am the originator of this post I certainly don´t mind discussion on other large box set Bach recordings should all of you wish to post accordingly.  thank you all for contributing....I shall rename this thread- Bach Brilliant edition and other large box set recordings.

  marvin

[Larry Rinkel]

  OK I think we have drifted off-topic a bit here. 

This is nothing!