A starter kit on J.S. Bach

[LVB_opus.125]

When I look over my collection, I notice only three Bach discs to my credit, all of which were bought very early on due to being dirt cheap. What an oversight! I've been listening to classical music since about 2002, and it's been mainly dominated by Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, and Mozart; although I'll concede that I have listened to just about every "major" composer out there.

I want to purchase just three Bach CDs that one would consider "definitive" of a range of styles. For instance, one vocal, one solo instrumental, and one concerto. I'm not really happy with the Bach recordings I do own, so I won't mention them. They were bought blindly because they were like four bucks a pop.

[SonicMan46]

Well, hard to really pick JUST 3 works of JS Bach, but a beginning might be:

Brandenburg Concertos - I own the Pearlman on Telarc (CLICK on the images for comments).

Cello Suites - solo instrument & so many choices; have the one below, but there is a thread if you care to search - so many options; plus, if you prefer another instrument (violin, keyboard, etc.), report back for more suggestions - 

Mass in B Minor - just great - have two versions, including the Parrott shown below - again, dozens of options for this work, but this one is at a bargin price; and again, many other choral/vocal works by this composer that are wonderful (like over 200 Cantatas!) - 

Good luck in your selection - 

   

[Josquin des Prez]

Here's a reduced overview of essential compositions and recordings by Bach (IMHO). His output his very vast and most of it it's very good so don't be surprised once you begin to notice your Bach collection is starting to grow larger then any other composer.

Keyboard music:

1 ) Two-part Inventions and Three-part Sinfonias (Kenneth Gilbert, Glenn Gould)

2 ) English and French Suites (Kenneth Gilbert, Glenn Gould)

3 ) Well Tempered Clavier Book I and II (Kenneth Gilbert, Vladimir Feltsman)

4 ) Chromatic Fantasia, French Overture, Italian Concerto and Duets (Scott Ross, Evgeni Koroliov)

5 ) Partitas (Scott Ross, Glenn Gould)

6 ) Goldberg Variations (Scott Ross studio version, Glenn Gould 1955 and 1981 recording, Vladimir Feltsman live version and Evgeni Koroliov)

7 ) Art of Fugue (Evgeni Koroliov, Kenneth Gilbert, Helmut Walcha)

8 ) Complete Organ Works (Helmut Walcha early edition. Excludes all the minor and dubious works, so this set is perfect for beginners)

Chamber music:

1 ) Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin (Nathan Milstein, first set)

2 ) Cello Suites (Pierre Fournier)

3 ) Violin Sonatas (Santos - Belder)

4 ) Viola Sonatas (Savall)

5 ) Flute Sonatas BWV 130 and 132 (Jean-Claude Gerard)

6 ) Partita for solo flute ( Jean-Claude Gerard)

7 ) Trio Sonatas (Chamber transcription by Heinz Holliger)

8 ) Suite for Lute in c BWV 997 (Hopkinson Smith)

9 ) Musical Offerings (Savall)

Orchestral music and concertos:

1 ) Violin Concertos (Trevor Pinnock)

2 ) Solo Keyboard Concertos (Vladimir Feltsman)

3 ) Solo and Multiple Keyboard Concertos (Trevor Pinnock)

4 ) Triple Concerto BWV 1044 (Trevor Pinnock)

5 ) Concerti Grossi ''Branderburg'' (Trevor Pinnock, Masaaki Suzuki)

6 ) Orchestral Suites (Jordi Savall, Masaaki Suzuki)

Choral Works:

1 ) Cantatas (Leonhartd/Harnoncourt complete set, Masaaki Suzuki still in the making)

2 ) Funeral Motets (Cantus Colln)

3 ) Missa Breves (Philippe Herreweghe)

4 ) Magnificat in D (Masaaki Suzuki)

5 ) Christmas Oratorio (Rene Jacobs)

6 ) St Matthew Passion (Masaaki Suzuki)

7 ) Mass in b (Cantus Colln, Rene Jacobs)

[Don]

I want to purchase just three Bach CDs that one would consider "definitive" of a range of styles. For instance, one vocal, one solo instrumental, and one concerto. I'm not really happy with the Bach recordings I do own, so I won't mention them. They were bought blindly because they were like four bucks a pop.

Three isn't much considering the huge Bach discography, but I'll give it a try:

Vocal - How about a 2-cd set from Rifkin/Decca containing some of Bach's most popular cantatas?

Solo - Either the Goldberg Variations or Well Tempered Clavier - Gould/Sony or Tureck/DG and BBC Legends.

Concerto - Brandenburgs - Musica Antiqua Cologne/Archiv Produktion.

[Expresso]

Some suggestions:

Brandenburg concertos - Musica Antiqua Koln,Harnoncourt
Goldberg Variations - Gould,Rosen
St. Mathew Passion - Leonhardt,Herreweghe,Harnoncourt
Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin - Szeryng,Grumiaux
Die Kunst der Fugue (Art of Fugue) - Musica Antiqua Koln,Keller Quarter,Leonhardt
English Suites - Gould,Leonhardt
French Suites - Leonhardt

[dirkronk]

I am going to offer a decidedly old-school set of recommendations, but ones I can attest are musically satisfying, as a makeweight to what I'm sure will be an avalanche of HIP performances:

1. Violin/keyboard sonatas--Suk and Ruzickova. Decidedly old fashioned and, to some ears, too slow, but just listen! If your heart doesn't ache and if tears don't well up in your eyes, get counseling. These are manna for the soul.

2. Well-Tempered Clavier--Sviatoslav Richter and/or Samuil Feinberg. This suggestion may raise eyebrows, hackles and protests, but these two masters made me fall in love with this enormous work when no one else (not Gould nor any harpsichordist) could. Do NOT fail to hear how the works can sound on earlier instruments, of course, but turn to these guys on modern piano if you want absorbing, utterly gorgeous playing that can keep you listening nonstop.

3. Anna Magdalena Notebook--Elly Ameling/Collegium Aureum. A lovely hodge-podge from the early days of the early-instrument movement, and with the divine young voice of Ameling contributing major felicities. In some LP incarnations, the transfers tended toward a piercing high end; I haven't heard CD transfers but hope that this has been rectified...the performances warrant it.

As you work past three recommendations, I could add my vote for the solo violin sonatas & partitas (Milstein's early ones on EMI or Szeryng's earlier mono set will satisfy), the solo cello suites (Starker on Mercury for gutsy power or Fournier for utter refinement), and the Brandenburg Concertos (lots of good ones...try Musica Antiqua Koln perhaps to start, as others have already suggested).

Remember my proviso about the main recommendations: they ain't HIP but they're beautiful. And wherever your explorations take you, enjoy the bountiful Bach journey!

Cheers,

Dirk

[Josquin des Prez]

3. Anna Magdalena Notebook

Mmmh? Why?

[prémont]

1. Violin/keyboard sonatas--Suk and Ruzickova. Decidedly old fashioned and, to some ears, too slow, but just listen! If your heart doesn't ache and if tears don't well up in your eyes, get counseling. These are manna for the soul.

OBS: they have recorded these works three times.

1) Supraphon ca.1963,  never made it to CD - AFAIK.
2) Erato a few years later, available on Apex (bargain label).
3) Praga 1990es, AFAIK still available.

Unfortunately the first - and unavailable - Supraphon recording is the heavenly beautiful, indeed tear-provoking recording. The Erato is also good, but misses some of the magic of the Supraphon recording. The Praga is earthbound compared to the two others.

[longears]

I want to purchase just three Bach CDs that one would consider "definitive" of a range of styles. For instance, one vocal, one solo instrumental, and one concerto. I'm not really happy with the Bach recordings I do own, so I won't mention them. They were bought blindly because they were like four bucks a pop.

Three discs that will serve as an introduction and which will provide lasting pleasure:

1--Glenn Gould, Goldberg Variations, either date will do, given the special price you might consider Sony's "State of Wonder" which includes both for little more than the price of either.

2--Violin concertos -- for original instrument, perhaps Manze/AAM; for modern instrument there are many good choices--I favor Suwanai/COE, Kennedy/BP, and am looking forward to the just-ordered Hope/COE.  Suwanai & Kennedy  include BWV 1041, -2, & -3, plus 1060 for oboe & violin; Hope has the 5th Brandenburg concerto instead of the concerto for oboe & violin.

3--Magnificat, Gardiner's a good choice for HIP, Marriner for mainstream.

[prémont]

Mmmh? Why?

For many keyboard players the Notenbuch is the first introduction to Bach. Bisides the DHM recording, Dirkronk recommends, is a model of its kind, Gustav Leonhard making wonders of the small harpsichord pieces. And the baryton Hans Martin Linde (yes, the renowned flutist) captures the mood of "So oft Ich meine Tobakspfeiffe" spot on. But despite its virtues it would never become one of my first three Bach CDs. I would chose:

1) "Orchestral" : Brandenburg concertos, Pinnock (Archiv) or Kuijken (DHM)
2)  Instrumental :  Art of Fugue, Walcha (Archiv) or Leonhardt (DHM)
3)  Vocal : b-minor mass, Leonhardt (DHM)

[dirkronk]

OBS: they have recorded these works three times.

1) Supraphon ca.1963,  never made it to CD - AFAIK.
2) Erato a few years later, available on Apex (bargain label).
3) Praga 1990es, AFAIK still available.

Unfortunately the first - and unavailable - Supraphon recording is the heavenly beautiful, indeed tear-provoking recording. The Erato is also good, but misses some of the magic of the Supraphon recording. The Praga is earthbound compared to the two others.

Oh, dear. The Supraphon version IS the one I was recommending (I have two copies on vinyl--one on original label and a reissue on Quintessence--but the performance is the same). Another LP treasure never transferred to add to a long list. Sorry...but thanks for the heads-up, premont. I had no idea that this duo had done any other versions.

Dirk

[hornteacher]

For a solo instrumental choice:

http://www.amazon.com/Hilary-Hahn-Plays-Johann-Sebastian/dp/B000025JNV/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1_rdssss0/105-4924212-6205218


For a concerto choice:

http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Brandenburg-Concertos-Johann-Sebastian/dp/B000ALCFYI/ref=sr_1_8/105-4924212-6205218?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1190332934&sr=1-8

[KevinP]

Most composers excelled in one or two forms (symphonies, concertos, etc.), but Bach's masterpieces span a greater variety of works than probably any other composer: keyboard words, choral works, concertos, solo cello suites, orchestral suites...

I don't think any three discs (except maybe a greatest hits package compiled for this very purpose) could evenly represent him.

[Josquin des Prez]

For many keyboard players the Notenbuch is the first introduction to Bach.

Is LVB_opus.125 a keyboard novice aspiring to acquire basic technique?

I just don't understand the usefulness of presenting Bach's most irrilevant pieces to somebody seeking to expand his collection. I didn't even dare mention the toccatas since i considered them to be relatively juvenile pieces and now we are talking about the Anna Magdalena Notebook. Sheesh.

[Bonehelm]

are Bach's cantatas and oratorios and masses easy on the ear for immature audiences? Well I guess I can't say I'm a novice in classical music...but I mostly listen to mid-late romantics.

[Larry Rinkel]

I would have to agree that the AMB is not an essential choice; I don't even have it on CD or in score myself, and I must have 150 Bach CDs. To choose three is almost impossible too; the best I can do is suggest 4-5, some of which are 2fers.

Vocal: I suggest the 2fer of cantatas with Rifkin with considerable reservations; the selection is excellent, but the performances are far from it - clean, every note in place, but little attempt to articulate and phrase; and on top of this, Rifkin endorses the highly questionable practice of using 1 voice per part, even though there is clear documentary evidence that Bach wanted at least 2 if not more singers for the choral parts (see Christoph Wolff's biography, p. 260). You'll get fewer works but better performances in a Karl Richter CD with the Magnificat and Cantata 78. Or you could get the summit of Bach's vocal writing, the Mass in B minor. Richter is good, so are Harnoncourt's 1st version and Rilling's.

Instrumental: With some pain I will have to bypass the WTC and Goldbergs and suggest a compilation of the greatest of the organ works: the EP Biggs on Sony with the D minor toccata and C minor passacaglia, or the Peter Hurford 2fer on Decca. Oh, to hell with it, get the Goldbergs too; this is Bach we're talking about and Gould's 1955 performance is still incredible.

Orchestral: The Brandenburg Concertos are the obvious choice, but they're almost always issued as a 2-CD set. I cringe at some of the finnocky recommendations above; my first choices would be Tafelmusik and Collegium Aureum, both of whom give the music room to breathe and don't treat it as a race to the finish line.

One more: The austere Art of Fugue, Bach's last, unfinished magnum opus, is keyboard music. It was published in "open score," which has led both to misconceptions that it was not intended for any specific instrumentation and to numerous instrumental arrangements. Nonetheless, the way I most love to hear this work is in the delightful, clever arrangement by William Malloch called The Art of Fuguing, zestfully conducted by Lukas Foss on a Sheffield CD. If you find it and can afford it, snap it up. I saw a dozen copies cheap at Tower about 10 years ago and should've bought them all for people I really like.
http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Malloch-Fuging-Johann-Sebastian-Bach/dp/B0000009EQ

[Larry Rinkel]

are Bach's cantatas and oratorios and masses easy on the ear for immature audiences? Well I guess I can't say I'm a novice in classical music...but I mostly listen to mid-late romantics.

Even if they're not easy, does that really matter? The Mass and the two Passions are Bach's longest works, and they demand some degree of concentration (the Xmas Oratorio is really a set of six cantatas). Of the passions, the St. John is the shorter and more dramatic; the St. Matthew longer and more contemplative. You might try a selection of the cantatas to get started, and/or the Magnificat. The cantatas vary immensely in style, but a good choice is offered by Rifkin, much as I dislike the performances.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

The cantatas vary immensely in style, but a good choice is offered by Rifkin, much as I dislike the performances.

If you're not going to rec a cantata disc you like then allow me...

For me Herreweghe is just the ticket in the cantatas for two reasons: budget price for a few of his discs and a warm spread to his HIP approach (which avoids the dreaded "race to the finish line"). Nothing against his soloists, either.

As far as Rifkin, I find myself actually enjoying his take when he's not employing the OPPV. That is, his movements with soloist alone are excellent. But when the quartet takes over to pull choir duties the music suddenly takes on a 'hollow' sound. Like something in the music has been edited out or has gone missing. Pity since elsewhere Rifkin w/ soloist is a delight.

(Though I can't speak for Rifkin's Decca two-fer. I own his Dorian disc w/ cantatas 182, 12, and 172).

[Dancing Divertimentian]

are Bach's cantatas and oratorios and masses easy on the ear for immature audiences? Well I guess I can't say I'm a novice in classical music...but I mostly listen to mid-late romantics.

The cantatas are no more taxing than, say, a Brahms sextet. Or a Schumann piano piece. You just need to listen with an attentive ear and all Bach's invention will reveal itself. Then the look of awe takes over...

[Don]

As far as Rifkin, I find myself actually enjoying his take when he's not employing the OPPV. That is, his movements with soloist alone are excellent. But when the quartet takes over to pull choir duties the music suddenly takes on a 'hollow' sound. Like something in the music has been edited out or has gone missing. Pity since elsewhere Rifkin w/ soloist is a delight.

(Though I can't speak for Rifkin's Decca two-fer. I own his Dorian disc w/ cantatas 182, 12, and 172).

Be assured that Rifkin's Decca recordings are much better than the Dorian disc; the singing is superior, and Rifkin offers sharper phrasing.  Also, the Dorian acoustics are diffuse.