A starter kit on J.S. Bach

[Expresso]

LVB_opus.125, here are some clips:

Leonhardt, Book 1
Leonhardt, Book 2

Gilbert, Book 1
Gilbert, Book 2

Van Asperen, Book 1
Van Asperen, Book 2

Parmentier

Dantone, Book 1
Dantone, Book 2

For what it's worth, I love the Leonhardt set 0:). The solo violin sonatas and partitas are also some of my favourites. There is such a distilled beauty in them.

Judging from the samples, i prefer Leonhard too. His old student Van Asperen, is also just as good.

[Don]

Sorry, I was just curious if the better singing/sonics you described on the Rifkin Decca set made for a more appetizing OVPP (vs. the Dorian disc).

Definitely.

[LVB_opus.125]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm almost ready to order. So far it looks to be the following. If I miss something better, I have the rest of my life to hear it still. I don't plan on not loving music in the near future. I know these three choices aren't as "definitive" as I had planned, but prices and inklings have led me to them:




P.S. No Brandenburg Concertos because I already have one set of them. It's a budget set from Excelsior/Francesci Macci. I'm not sure how it's rated, but I've been giving it closer listens lately and I'm happy with it until I can appreciate the finer points of Bach's music to a greater degree.

[Larry Rinkel]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm almost ready to order. So far it looks to be the following. If I miss something better, I have the rest of my life to hear it still. I don't plan on not loving music in the near future. I know these three choices aren't as "definitive" as I had planned, but prices and inklings have led me to them:




P.S. No Brandenburg Concertos because I already have one set of them. It's a budget set from Excelsior/Francesci Macci. I'm not sure how it's rated, but I've been giving it closer listens lately and I'm happy with it until I can appreciate the finer points of Bach's music to a greater degree.

You've done very well.

[longears]

It's a pleasure to see a newcomer to this site make such thoughtful use of the resources it offers.  Please let us know your impressions after you've had an opportunity to hear them! 

[George]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm almost ready to order. So far it looks to be the following. If I miss something better, I have the rest of my life to hear it still. I don't plan on not loving music in the near future. I know these three choices aren't as "definitive" as I had planned, but prices and inklings have led me to them:

Any reason you are getting this instead of both his 55 and 81 Goldbergs for a few bucks more? 

http://www.amazon.com/State-Wonder-Complete-Goldberg-Variations/dp/B00006FI7C/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-5638175-0980616?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1191069921&sr=8-1

[Larry Rinkel]

Any reason you are getting this instead of both his 55 and 81 Goldbergs for a few bucks more? 

Or less, for that matter, if you order used from Amazon.

[George]

Or less, for that matter, if you order used from Amazon.

Yep.

[LVB_opus.125]

Has this website been down for a few days? I was unable to load it. Anyways, I went ahead and placed the order. Funny this is that I'm really wishing I ordered the cello suites now. But there's always next time for that. I ordered the '81 Gould version because it was the cheapest, used. And I figured that one version is enough to start out. If I get another, it will probably be on the harpsicord.

[Que]

Has this website been down for a few days? I was unable to load it. Anyways, I went ahead and placed the order. Funny this is that I'm really wishing I ordered the cello suites now. But there's always next time for that. I ordered the '81 Gould version because it was the cheapest, used. And I figured that one version is enough to start out. If I get another, it will probably be on the harpsicord.

You seem a already a very sensible collector to me!
Some reading material on the cello suites on this thread: Bach's Chamber and Instrumental Music
(Don't forget to check the link in the opening post to a cello suites thread on the old forum).

Q

[LVB_opus.125]

You seem a already a very sensible collector to me!
Some reading material on the cello suites on this thread: Bach's Chamber and Instrumental Music
(Don't forget to check the link in the opening post to a cello suites thread on the old forum).

Q

I started out loving classical music in about 2001 or 2002, after downloading various stuff by Beethoven, Wagner, Grieg, Holst, and others. I just fell in love with it all right away, like I was born to listen to it. However, without the guidance of a forum such as this, I got burned on many recordings. I bought simply what was cheapest. But I have since learned my errors and do the appropriate research before making a purchase. I'm slowly building a collection of most excellent recordings now.

[dirkronk]

Whether you pay any attention to my recommendations (one of which started a sidebar conversation of some length) or not, I strongly urge you to investigate options for listening that haven't yet been mentioned in this thread. To wit...

First and foremost, find out if your local public library system has a good media collection from which you can check out CDs and DVDs. San Antonio has a pretty good one, and it has helped introduce me to repertoire and performances that I would never have thought to purchase. Even a modest collection should have a wealth of Bach and other major composers represented.

If you're a student or otherwise have access to a university library, the same suggestion goes for that possibility. Some larger churches and synagogues have libraries, as well.

And don't forget classical radio stations, some of which have specialized early music shows, call-in-suggestion shows, etc.

Any of these will allow you access to pieces of music and performances for zero money--and will give you entire performances, versus the 30 and 60-second snippets offered by onsite music-selling venues. Just a thought.

Again, enjoy the journey...and make it as easy and affordable as possible.

Cheers,

Dirk

[LVB_opus.125]

Opinions? I am now considering replacing my Brandenburg set with a better one in the near future. And this one has the Orchestral suites to boot!

[Que]

Opinions? I am now considering replacing my Brandenburg set with a better one in the near future. And this one has the Orchestral suites to boot!

We have a Bach thread on this as well: Bach's Orchestral Music (Brandenburgs, Suites and concertos).

On Pinnock and the English Concert opinions are divided. Though I think nobody would say it's not any good or a bad deal. I personally prefer Harnoncourt/ Concentus Musicus Wien (2nd rec. Warner/Teldec) or Kuijken/ La Petite Bande (DHM).
But please check the posts of the real experts like Premont on the linked thread.

Q


PS How did you do with the recent Bach purchases that you posted here?

[Larry Rinkel]

But please check the posts of the real experts like Premont on the linked thread.

Just out of my curiosity, who so anointed him?

[dtwilbanks]

Just out of my curiosity, who so anointed him?

He was anointed by Battle Pope!

[BorisG]

Opinions? I am now considering replacing my Brandenburg set with a better one in the near future. And this one has the Orchestral suites to boot!

You do not state what your current set is, or maybe you did state it elsewhere and I missed it. In any event, I do not think Pinnock would be much of an upgrade.

I have two considerations for you. Savall and Britten.

I thoroughly enjoy them both for very different reasons. HIP Savall's is grandiose with wide soundstage. Teamwork is most evident here. The micing is simple and intelligent. Whereas, Modern Britten's is narrower in picture and stage, often with extravagant use of multi-micing.

When I want awe, I reach for Savall. When I want fun, it's Britten. Both productions exhibit exceptional playing and very good sound. Though their interpretations and presentations are very different, neither is less valid.

[prémont]

Just out of my curiosity, who so anointed him?

Contrary to certain others I didn´t appoint myself.

[Larry Rinkel]

Contrary to certain others I didn´t appoint myself.

Nor did anyone else here.

[Don]

Nor did anyone else here.

I'll annoint myself and settle this matter.   Pinnock's Bach is wonderful - snap it up.