Bach's Orchestral Music (Brandenburgs, Suites & Concertos)

[prémont]

Any of these mentioned stand out? 

No, not really, even if most of them are rather nice. But that isn't enough - given the competition. But a completist like me is omnivorus  .

[aukhawk]

I think Faust is very good but she was eclipsed for me by Debretzeni/Gardiner which I discovered around the same time (although it is an older recording), that is my go-to.
[edit - no cancel all that - I was thinking of their respective Violin Concertos sets - where I think Faust is v.good and Debretzeni is terrific. ]

There is this from Beyer: Bach From Italy: the Vivaldi & Marcello Influences
which is a recent issue and includes Nos.3,4,5 - don't know for sure if they are new recordings though, I imagine Beyer and her Gli Incogniti have recorded the Brandenburgs before.
Unlike someone on the listening thread a few days ago, I really enjoy the cover art.


Bach etc; Beyer, Gli Incogniti

[prémont]

I think Faust is very good but she was eclipsed for me by Debretzeni/Gardiner which I discovered around the same time (although it is an older recording), that is my go-to.
[edit - no cancel all that - I was thinking of their respective Violin Concertos sets - where I think Faust is v.good and Debretzeni is terrific. ]

In my book the Brandenburgs with Faust and AAM Berlin are rather superficial. The older recording by AAM Berlin (Harmonia Mundi) was far better. Also Gardiner's Brandenburgs with Debretzeni are preferable.

There is this from Beyer: Bach From Italy: the Vivaldi & Marcello Influences
which is a recent issue and includes Nos.3,4,5 - don't know for sure if they are new recordings though, I imagine Beyer and her Gli Incogniti have recorded the Brandenburgs before.
Unlike someone on the listening thread a few days ago, I really enjoy the cover art.

Beyer did lead another recording of the Brandenburgs, but that was with the ensemble B'Rock as accompaniment to a ballet by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker from 2021:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8915407--the-6-brandenburg-concertos

Here the music hasn't got the first priority soundwise and it also seems a bit underreharsed. So I can't recommend it.

Edit: Bach from Italy with Gli Incogniti is a new recording. It was made January 2025.

[DavidW]

I return to old favourites from time to time and check for any notable newcomers for a different angle and new insights.

Any of these mentioned stand out? 

The newer recordings tend to sound a little too aggressive imo. I usually reach for this older box: