J.S. Bach: Complete Works for Organ (Box Set) [Box set]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Marie-Claire Alain is not only one of the greatest organists alive today, but she stands directly in a what is undoubtedly the world's greatest tradition of organ playing. It was France that first rediscovered and cultivated Bach's organ music, and which in turn stimulated the great works of Franck, Widor, Vierne, and their school. Alain has recorded Bach's complete organ music no less than three times, here on historical organs of Bach's own time. Each disc is planned as a recital that showcases both the music and the instrument. Her performances are simply the last word in style, musicianship, and virtuosity. Magnificent. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Bach with a nice difference.......2007-02-16

Bach, hmmmm, one of the desert island composers for me. I own three complete organ works (yeah I need a life). This is one of the better. The recording quality is faultless. And for a laugh, listen to the wonderfull reeds of the pedal department jumping from left to right (speaker) in BWV 550 ... Prelude and Fugue in G Major ... I just love stereo when the mics are right in the middle of the organ and you hear the pipes singing from left to right!! Another wonderful surprise was Ritchie's use of the 32' reed stop in the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

I can almost hear the purists intake of breath, tsk tsk's and see their rolling eyes. However, Bach did travel around central Germany and I read in Grove's Dictionary his comment about the wonderful 32' stop at Leipzig.

The collection of American organs on this set was also an eye opener for me (not being from America) and only knowing about the monster organs like St. John the Devine (NY) or the Wannamaker. It's good to know that there are some beautifully voiced and balanced smaller organs to be found.

No Need to Look Further.......2007-01-04

All the superlative reviews of this set are correct. The sound engineering is superb. The performances range from the sublime to the magisterial, as one would expect with Bach's organ works. If you order direct from Raven Records, you can pick up this set for about $50. They delivered it promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed!! I've never purchased a box set of CDs that gave you more for your money.

Rave reviews in the music press.......2006-11-23

The following comments have been published by major music publications:

"Impossible to recommend highly enough!" reviews The American Organist

"This is Bach as Bach intended his music to be heard,"
writes John Holland, The Diapason

"You couldn't ask for a more concise showcase of the last 20 years of 'historically informed' American organ building,"
writes Jonathan Ambrosino, Choir & Organ, December 2006

"[Bach would] empathise with Ritchie's incisive yet never finicky articulation, be it . . . lyrically flowing or . . . multi-stop climaxes. . . . Ritchie's linear clarity and effortless execution of the difficult pedal writing is world class. . . . engineering is consistently excellent," reviews Jed Distler in the Gramophone, November 2006

". . .an ideal combination of music, performance, instruments, recording . . ."
Arthur Lawrence, The American Organist

". . . a reference-level collection, it should be in any serious library, and should be reached for frequently. . . Everything about this production exhibits the highest quality. When the need is to hear Bach played to perfection, this set should be at hand. Impossible to recommend highly enough!"
Paul Aldridge, The American Organist, November 2006

"These performances are ripe with a depth of scholarship, musicality, and knowledge . . ."
Haig Mardirosian, The American Organist

Average customer rating:

The royal music!

Organ Works Complete
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Christopher Herrick
Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006L3WC
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Customer Reviews:

The royal music!.......2003-11-05

Organ king's music performed by a prominent organist at his best on ones of the best organs in the world!

J.S. Bach: Complete Works for Organ (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Complete set CD review of Bach
The Definitive Collection of Bach
Absolutely wonderful!
Monumental Artistry
A Happy Sacrifice

J.S. Bach: Complete Works for Organ (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque

ASIN: B000005ECW
Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 548: Praludium
Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 548: Fuge
Choral: An Wasserflussen Babylon..., BWV 653
Choral: Von Gott will ich nicht lassen..., BWV 658
Choral: Schmucke dich, o liebe Seele..., BWV 654
Prld & Fuge in b, BWV 544: Praludium
Prld & Fuge in b, BWV 544: Fuge
Drei Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr'...: Cantus firmus im Sopran, BWV 662
Drei Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr'...: Cantus firmus im Tenor, BWV 663
Drei Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr'...: Trio, BWV 664

Tracks:

Toccata (Dorisch) & Fuge in d, BWV 538: Toccata
Toccata (Dorisch) & Fuge in d, BWV 538: Fuge
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 618: O Lamm Gottes unschuldig
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 619: Christe, du Lamm Gottes
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 620: Christus, der uns selig macht
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 621: Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 622: O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sunde gro
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 623: Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 624: Hilf Gott, damir's gelinge
Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 535: Prld
Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 535: Fuge
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 625: Christ lag in Todesbanden
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 626: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 627: Christ ist erstanden (3 vers)
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 628: Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 629: Erschienen ist der herrliche Tag
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 630: Heut' triumphiret Gottes Sohn
Toccata & Fuge in C, BWV 566: Toccata
Toccata & Fuge in C, BWV 566: Fuge
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 631: Komm, Gott Schopfer, heilieger Geist
Orgelbuchlein, BWV 632: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend

Tracks:

Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 545: Prld
Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 545: Fuge
Fuge in G, BWV 577
Prld & Fuge in d, BWV 539: Prld
Prld & Fuge in d, BWV 539: Fuge
Choral: Wo soll ich fliehen hin, BWV 694
Partita sopra: O Gott, du frommer Gott, BWV 767
Choral: Wir Christenleut hab'n jetzund Freud, BWV 710
Alla Breve in D, BWV 589
Canzona in d, BWV 588
Fuge in c, BWV 575
Fuga sopra il Magnificat: Meine Seele erhebet den Herren, BWV 733
Kleines harmonisches Labyrinth (Introitus, Centrum, Exitus), BWV 591
Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 551: Prld
Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 551: Fuge

Tracks:

Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 533: Prld
Prld & Fuge in e, BWV 533: Fuge
Chorale: Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein, BWV 734
Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 730
Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731
Chorale: In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
Chorale: Herzlich tut mich verlangen, BWV 727
Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 531: Prld
Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 531: Fuge
Chorale: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, BWV726
Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh'sei Ehr' (Bicinium), BWV 711
Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh'sei Ehr', BWV 715
Chorale: Fuga super Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 716
Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr' (manualiter), BWV 717
Chorale: Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 718
Chorale: Ach Gott und Herr (per canonem), BWV 714
Fantasia con imitazione in b, BWV 563
Chorale: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 722
Chorale: Gottes Sohn ist kommen, BWV 724
Chorale: Jesus, meine Zuversicht, BWV 728
Chorale: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich, BWV 732
Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 737
Chorale: Vom Himmel hoch, da komm'ich her, BWV 738
Chorale: Wie schon leuchter der Morgenstern, BWV 739
Chorale: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, BWV 765
Chorale: Herr Gott, dich loben wir, BWV 725

Tracks:

Prld & Fuge in c: Prld
Prld & Fuge in c: Fuge
Chorale: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, BWV 709
Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 706 (1+2)
Chorale: Erbarm' dich mein, o Herre Gott, BWV 721
Chorale: Wer nur den lieben Gott la walten, BWV 690
Chorale: Wer nur den lieben Gott la walten, BWV 691
Chorale: Christ lag in Todesbanden, BWV 695
Prld & Fuge in c: Prld
Prld & Fuge in c: Fuge
Partita: sopra Christ, der du bist der helle Tag, BWV 766
Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 696
Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 697
Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Herr Christ, der ein'ge Gottes Sohn, BWV 698
Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Nun komm'der Heiden Heiland, BWV 699
Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Von Himmel hoch da komm' ich her, BWV 701
Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Gottes Sohn ist kommen, BWV 703
Sieben Fughetten Fur Die Weinachtszeit: Lob sei dem allmachtigen Gott, BWV 704
Choral: Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her, BWV 700
Fuge in b uber ein Theme von Corelli, BWV 579
Fantasia: Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 713
Choral: In dich hab' ich gehoffet, Herr, BWV 712

Tracks:

Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 547: Prld
Prld & Fuge in C, BWV 547: Fuge
Canonic Vars: Vom Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her, BWV 769
Clavier Ubung Dritter Teil: Prld in E flat, BWV 552
Chorale: Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit, BWV 669
Chorale: Christe, aller Welt Trost, BWV 670
Chorale: Kyrie, Gott heilinger Geist, BWV 671
Chorale: Kyrie, gott Vater in Ewigkeit (manualiter), BWV 672
Chorale: Christe, aller Welt Trost (manualiter), BWV 673
Chorale: Kyrie, Gott heiliger Geist (manualiter), BWV 674
Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 675
Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 676
Chorale: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr' (Fughetta), BWV 677
Chorale: Dies sind die heil'gen zehn Gebot, BWV 678
Chorale: Dies sind die heil'gen zehn Gebot (Fughetta), BWV 679

Tracks:

Chorale: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, BWV 680
Chorale: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott (Fughetta) (manualiter), BWV 681
Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 682
Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich (manualiter), BMV 683
Chorale: Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam, BWV 684
Chorale: Christ, unser Herr, zum Jordan kam (manualiter), BWV 685
Chorale: Aus tiefer Not schrei' ich zu dir, BWV 686
Chorale: Aus tiefer Not schrei' ich zu dir (manualiter), BWV 687
Chorale: Jesu Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 688
Chorale: Jesu Christus, unser Heiland (Fuga) (manualiter), BWV 689
Vier Duette: Duetto I, BWV 802
Vier Duette: Duetto II, BWV 803
Vier Duette: Duetto III, BWV 804
Vier Duette: Duetto IV, BWV 805
Fuge in E flat, BWV 552
Chorale: Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend' (Trio), BWV 655
Chorale: Vor Deinen Thron tret' ich, BWV 668

Tracks:

Prld & Fuge in c, BWV 546: Prld
Prld & Fuge in c, BWV 546: Fuge
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 633
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 634
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Dies sind die heil' gen zehn Gebott, BWV 635
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Vater unser im Himmelreich, BWV 636
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Durch Adam's Fall ist ganz verderbt, BWV 637
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Es ist das Heil uns kommen her, BWV 638
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 639
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Ich dich hab'ich gehoffet, Herr, BWV 640
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Wenn wir in hochsten Noten sein, BWV 641
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Wer nur den lieben Gott la walten, BWV 642
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Alle Menschen mussen sterben, BWV 643
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Ach wie nichtig, ach, wir fluchtig, BWV 644
Partita Sopra: Sei gregrut, Jesu gutig, BWV 768
Prld & Fuge in f, BWV 534: Prld
Prld & Fuge in f, BWV 534: Fuge
Fant in C, BWV 570

Tracks:

Piece d'Orgue in G, BWV 572: Tres vitement-Gravement-Lentement
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Nun komm' der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Gottes Sohn ist kommen, BWV 600
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Herr Christ, der ein' ge Gottes Sohn, BWV 601
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Lob sei dem allmachtigen Gott, BWV 602
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Puer natus in Bethlehem, BWV 603
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Gelobt seist du, Jesu Christ, BWV 604
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Der Tag, der ist so freudenreich, BWV 605
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her, BWV 606
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar, BWV 607
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: In dulci jubilo, BWV 608
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Lobt Gott, ihr Christen, allzugleich, BWV 609
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 610
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 611
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Wir Christenleut, BWV 612
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Helft mir, Gootes Gute preisen, BWV 613
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Das alte Jahr vergangen ist, BWV 614
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: In dir ist Freude, BWV 615
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Mir Fried' und Freud' ich fahr' dahin, BWV 616
Orgelbuchlein: Chorale: Herr Gott, nun schleuden Himmel auf, BWV 617
Fant in c, BWV 562
Choral: Wir glauben all' an einen Gott, Vater, BWV 740
Fant: Super Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 735
Choral: Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 736
Fuge uber ein Thema von Giovanni Legrenzi in c, BWV 574

Tracks:

Prld & Fuge, BWV 532: Prld
Prld & Fuge, BWV 532: Fuge
Trio in d, BWV 656
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig, BWV 656
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Trio super 'Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 660
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland' in organo pleno, BWV 661
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Fantasia super Komm, heiliger Geist, BWV 651
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Komm, heiliger Geist, BWV 652
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Nun danket alle Gott, BWV 657
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 665
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, BWV 666
Orgelchorale aus Achtzehn Chorale: Komm, Gott Schopfer, BWV 667

Tracks:

Konzert in a, BWV 593: Allegro
Konzert in a, BWV 593: Adagio
Konzert in a, BWV 593: Allegro
Konzert in d, BWV 596: (Allegro)-Grave-Fuga
Konzert in d, BWV 596: Largo
Konzert in d, BWV 596: Finale
Konzert in C, BWV 594: (Allegro)
Konzert in C, BWV 594: Rezitativ Adagio
Konzert in C, BWV 594: Allegro
Konzert in G, BWV 592: (Allegro)
Konzert in G, BWV 592: Grave (Adagio)
Konzert in G, BWV 592: Presto (assai)
Konzert in C, BWV 595: (Allegro)
Aria in F, BWV 587
Prld & Fuge in A, BWV 536: Prld
Prld & Fuge in A, BWV 536: Fuge
Choral: An Wasserflussen Babylon, BWV 653b
Prld & Fuge in G, BWV 550: Prld
Prld & Fuge in G, BWV 550: Fuge
Trio in g, BWV 584

Tracks:

Toccata in d, BWV 565
Toccate & Fuge in F, BWV 540: Toccata
Toccate & Fuge in F, BWV 540: Fuge
Prld (Fant) & Fuge in g, BWV 542: Prld
Prld (Fant) & Fuge in g, BWV 542: Fuge
Pastorella, BWV 590: 1
Pastorella, BWV 590: 2
Pastorella, BWV 590: 3
Pastorella, BWV 590: 4
Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 543: Prld
Prld & Fuge in a, BWV 543: Fuge
Toccata in C, BWV 564: Toccata
Toccata in C, BWV 564: Adagio
Toccata in C, BWV 564: Fuge

Tracks:

Son I in E flat, BWV 525: Allegro moderato
Son I in E flat, BWV 525: Adagio
Son I in E flat, BWV 525: Allegro
Son II in c, BWV 526: Vivace
Son II in c, BWV 526: Largo
Son II in c, BWV 526: Allegro
Son III in d, BWV 527: Andante
Son III in d, BWV 527: Adagio e dolce
Son III in d, BWV 527: Vivace
Son IV in e, BWV 528: Adagio
Son IV in e, BWV 528: Andante
Son IV in e, BWV 528: Un poco allegro
Son V in C, BWV 529: Allegro
Son V in C, BWV 529: Largo
Son V in C, BWV 529: Allegro
Son VI in G, BWV 530: Vivace
Son VI in G, BWV 530: Lento
Son VI in G, BWV 530: Allegro

Tracks:

Passacaglia E Tema Fugatum in c, BWV 582
Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 645: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 646: Wo soll ich fliehen hin
Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 647: Wer nur den lieben Gott la...
Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 648: Meine Seele erhebet den Herren
Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 649: Ach, bleib' bei uns
Sechs Chorale von Verschiedener Art (Schubler-Chorale), BWV 650: Kommst du nun, Jesu...
Fuge in g, BWV 578
Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 541: Prld
Prld & Fuge in g, BWV 541: Fuge
Choral: Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott, BWV 720
Prld in G, BWV 568
Adagio, BWV 1027: Adagio
Adagio, BWV 1027: Allegro moderato (trio) (1027a)
Ricercare a 6 (aus Das musikalische Opfer), BWV 1079-5
Prld in a, BWV 569

Amazon.com

Marie-Claire Alain is not only one of the greatest organists alive today, but she stands directly in a what is undoubtedly the world's greatest tradition of organ playing. It was France that first rediscovered and cultivated Bach's organ music, and which in turn stimulated the great works of Franck, Widor, Vierne, and their school. Alain has recorded Bach's complete organ music no less than three times, here on historical organs of Bach's own time. Each disc is planned as a recital that showcases both the music and the instrument. Her performances are simply the last word in style, musicianship, and virtuosity. Magnificent. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Complete set CD review of Bach.......2007-05-12

I discovered Bach organ music 40 years ago. I love Bach, everything he wrote. I have 4 complete sets of Bach organ recordings. Marie Claire-Alan is my favorite organist of everyone I have heard. I met Marie and her husband in person after a performance she gave in Chicago. I have 2 complete sets of Bach organ played by Marie. One is on records and the other the new CD set. She is a little older now when she recorded the CD's. The albums have a more youthful sound to them, a little more energy and different registration selection on the organs. I love Marie in her youthful recordings more than these. I love the albums so much I will digitize them and listen to them over the new CD collection. I play the albums on my Linn turntable through McIntosh equipment.

The Definitive Collection of Bach .......2005-09-25

Marie-Claire Alain has recorded Bach's complete organ music 3 times, this set being the second time. She plays quite differently now, but these are some of the best interpretations. Each cd fearures a different organ dating from Bach's time, and all of the booklets are filled with pictures, history, and even the stop registrations for each of the pieces are given. Quite alot of research! If those of you who are new to Bach's organ works, I would recommend starting on a smaller scale, as some of these works can be quite intense to listen to. At any rate, this possibly may go down as one of the famous recordings of the century.

Absolutely wonderful!.......2004-07-27

From this huge box set, it is quite obvious that Bach was a dedicated composer for the organ (and obviously a virtuoso organist for that matter). Bach was a very prominent composer who lived in the Baroque era, and to truely understand his works and their style you must have a general outline of knowledge of the timeframe in which he lived. And so the Baroque era, (1600-1750) was characterized by vastness of proportion, rich counterpoint, great splendor and a highly ornamented melodic line. (One should note that the era abruptly ended after Bach's death which actually shows his importance in it) Some of these pieces are examples of works that require performers at the very highest degree to play them. His works go way beyond the famous Toccata and Fuge in D Minor, and with a "Complete" edition you can listen and hear them all for yourself, hence grasping the full view of his genious. This set is of wonderful value and worth every penny. Unfortunately, the Master's version is not available in a CD store, and so we must indulge upon other's interpretations. This out of the others stands as one of the very best. It is also complementing to the experience to have an instrument of the period (which is so in this set). Bach devoted his entire frame of mind towards the spreading of God's kingdom, therefore one could derive that he felt that by creating enlightening and insightful music, he was doing a lowly service to his God. Overall--this is a fabulous interpretation, and it will deepen one's respect and awe for Johann Sebastian Bach, the greatest organist who ever lived.

Monumental Artistry.......2003-03-08

Although I am partial to the Romantic Organ, particularly in the vein of Widor, Vierne and Rheinberger, it all begins with Bach. And in this case, one could say that it all begins with Marie-Claire Alain and her wonderful interpretations. Alain seems to understand that Bach was above all else a religious composer. Many "complete" works of Bach play short shrift with the liturgical works whereas these are some of the most satisfying of the group.

The sound is pure sonority, almost perfect, and the technical prowess is just awesome. Out of the millions of notes played, I never heard a miscue or slight jiggle. Still, keyboard wizardry is only part of the story. The registration is a work of art in itself. Alain understand the difference between the Baroque and the Modern, the French and the German and the old and the new. Just as she is a "natural" for Widor or Vierne, she also seems to have entered the Bach mind on some of these.

This is a fabulous collection worthy of any serious student of classical music. Nowhere can one derive such satisfaction that listenting to Bach played by Ms. Alain.

A Happy Sacrifice.......2001-06-30

I gladly sacrificed two of the four speakers in my car to this wonderful, wonderful treasure. What more can I say?

Bach 2000: The Complete Bach Edition (Includes Commemorative Book) (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Bach is priceless
Buy the works you like....
Poor Bach
A Treasure Trove
147 out of 153 ain't bad!

Bach 2000: The Complete Bach Edition (Includes Commemorative Book) (Box Set)
Nikolaus Harnoncourt , Robin Gritton , Giovanni Antonini , Gustav Leonhardt , Ton Koopman , Alice Harnoncourt , and Zehetmair, Thomas
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Canons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00001IV8B
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern
Du Wahrer Gottes und Marien Sohn
Erfuellet, ihr himmlischen goettlichen Flammen
Ein irdscher Glanz, wein leiblich Licht
Unser Mund und Ton der Saiten
Wie Schon Leuchtet Der Morgenstern, BWV 1: Chor: 'Wie Bin Ich Doch So Herzlich Froh' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Chor Viennensis/Hans Gillesberger
Ach Gott, Vom Himmel Sieh Darein, BWV 2: Chor: 'Ach Gott, Vom Himmel Sieh Darein' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Chor Viennensis/Hans Gillesberger
Ach Gott, Vom Himmel Sieh Darein, BWV 2: Recitativo: 'Sie Lehren Eitel Falsche List' - Kurt Equiluz
Ach Gott, Vom Himmel Sieh Darein, BWV 2: Aria: 'Tilg, O Gott, Die Lehren' - Paul Esswood
Ach Gott, Vom Himmel Sieh Darein, BWV 2: Recitativo: 'Die Armen Sind Verstort' - Max Van Egmond
Ach Gott, Vom Himmel Sieh Darein, BWV 2: Aria: 'Durchs Feuer Wird Das Silber Rein' - Kurt Equiluz
Ach Gott, Vom Himmel Sieh Darein, BWV 2: Chor: 'Das Wollst Du, Gott, Bewahren Rein' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Chor Viennensis/Hans Gillesberger
Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid, BWV 3: Chor: 'Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Chor Viennensis/Hans Gillesberger
Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid, BWV 3: Choral Recitativo: 'Wie Schwerlich Lasst Sich Fleisch Und... - Wiener Sangerknaben/Hans Gillesberger/Paul Esswood/Kurt Equiluz/Max Van Egmond...
Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid, BWV 3: Aria: 'Empfind Ich Hollenangst Und Pein' - Max Van Egmond
Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid, BWV 3: Recitativo: 'Es Mag Mir Leib Und Geist Verschmachten' - Kurt Equiluz
Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid, BWV 3: Aria: 'Wenn Sorgen Auf Mich Dringen' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Hans Gillesberger/Paul Esswood
Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid, BWV 3: Chor: 'Erhalt Mein Herz Im Glauben Rein' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Chor Viennensis/Hans Gillesberger

Tracks:

Ich elender Mensch, wer wird mich erloesen
O Schmerz, o Elend, so mich trifft
Solls ja so sein
Ach lege das Sodom der suendlichen Glieder
Hier aber tut des Heilands Hand
Ich Elender Mensch, Wer Wird Mich Erlosen, BWV 48: Aria: 'Vergibt Mir Jesus Meine Sunden' - Kurt Equiluz
Ich Elender Mensch, Wer Wird Mich Erlosen, BWV 48: Chor: 'Herr Jesu Christ, Einiger Trost' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Chor Viennensis/Hans Gillesberger
Ich Geh Und Suche Mit Verlangen, BWV 49: Sinf - Concentus Musicus Wien/Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Ich Geh Und Suche Mit Verlangen, BWV 49: Aria: 'Ich Geh Und Suche Mit Verlangen' - Ruud Van Der Meer
Ich Geh Und Suche Mit Verlangen, BWV 49: Recitativo Ed Arioso: 'Mein Mahl Ist Zubereit'' - Ruud Van Der Meer/Peter Jelosits
Ich Geh Und Suche Mit Verlangen, BWV 49: Aria: 'Ich Bin Herrlich, Ich Bin Schon' - Peter Jelosits
Ich Geh Und Suche Mit Verlangen, BWV 49: Recitativo: 'Mein Glaube Hat Mich Selbst So Angezogen' - Peter Jelosits/Ruud Van Der Meer
Ich Geh Und Suche Mit Verlangen, BWV 49: Aria (Duetto): 'Dich Hab Ich Je Und Je Geliebet' - Peter Jelosits/Ruud Van Der Meer
Nun Ist Das Heil Und Die Kraft, BWV 50: Chor: 'Nun Ist Das Heil Und Die Kraft' - Wiener Sangerknaben/Chor Viennensis/Hans Gillesberger
Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen, BWV 51: Aria: 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen!' - Marianne Kweksilber
Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen, BWV 51: Recitativo: 'Wir Beten Zu Dem Tempel An' - Marianne Kweksilber
Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen, BWV 51: Aria: 'Hochster, Mache Deine Gute' - Marianne Kweksilber
Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen, BWV 51: Chor: 'Sei Lob Und Preis Mit Ehren' - Marianne Kweksilber
Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen, BWV 51: Aria: 'Alleluja!' - Marianne Kweksilber

Tracks:

(Caro) Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
(Alto, Tenore) Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
(Soprano) Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
(Basso) Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
(Alto) Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
Was Gott Tut, Das Ist Wohlgetan, BWV 100: Chor: 'Was Gott Tut, Das Ist Wohlgetan' - Knabenchor Hannover/Heinz Hennig/Collegium Vocale, Gent/Philippe Herreweghe
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott, BWV 101: Chor: 'Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott' - Tolzer Knabenchor/Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott, BWV 101: Aria: 'Handle Nicht Nach Deinen Rechten' - Kurt Equiluz
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott, BWV 101: Recitativo-Chor: 'Ach! Herr Gott, Durch Die Treue Dein' - Wilhelm Wiedl
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott, BWV 101: Aria: 'Warum Willst Du So Zornig Sein?' - Philippe Huttenlocher
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott, BWV 101: Recitativo-Chor: 'Die Sund Hat Uns Verderbet Sehr' - Kurt Equiluz
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott, BWV 101: Aria (Duetto): 'Gedenk An Jesu Bittern Tod!' - Wilhelm Wiedl/Paul Esswood
Nimm Von Uns, Herr, Du Treuer Gott, BWV 101: Chor: 'Leit Uns Mit Deiner Rechten Hand' - Tolzer Knabenchor/Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden
Herr, Deine Augen Sehen Nach Dem Glauben, BWV 102, Prima Parte: Chor: 'Herr, Deine Augen Sehen... - Tolzer Knabenchor/Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden
Herr, Deine Augen Sehen Nach Dem Glauben, BWV 102, Prima Parte: Recitativo: 'Wo Ist Das Ebenbild' - Philippe Huttenlocher
Herr, Deine Augen Sehen Nach Dem Glauben, BWV 102, Prima Parte: Aria: 'Weh Der Seele' - Paul Esswood
Herr, Deine Augen Sehen Nach Dem Glauben, BWV 102, Prima Parte: Arioso: 'Verachtest Du Den... - Philippe Huttenlocher
Herr, Deine Augen Sehen Nach Dem Glauben, BWV 102, Seconda Parte: Aria: 'Erschrecke Doch, Du... - Kurt Equiluz
Herr, Deine Augen Sehen Nach Dem Glauben, BWV 102, Seconda Parte: Recitativo: 'Beim Warten Ist... - Paul Esswood
Herr, Deine Augen Sehen Nach Dem Glauben, BWV 102, Seconda Parte: Chor: Heut Lebst Du, Heut... - Tolzer Knabenchor/Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden

Tracks:

Sinfonia
Nach dir, Herr, verlanget mich
Doch bin und bleibe ich vergnuegt
Leite mich in deiner Wahrheit
Zedern muessen von den Winden
Nach Dir, Herr, Verlanget Mich, BWV 150: Chor: 'Meine Augen Sehen Stets Zu Dem Herrn' - Knabenchor Hannover/Heinz Hennig/Collegium Vocale, Gent/Philippe Herreweghe
Nach Dir, Herr, Verlanget Mich, BWV 150: Chor: 'Meine Tage In Dem Leide' - Knabenchor Hannover/Heinz Hennig/Collegium Vocale, Gent/Philippe Herreweghe
Susser Trost, Mein Jesus Kommt, BWV 151: Aria: 'Susser Trost, Mein Jesus Kommt' - Sebastian Hennig
Susser Trost, Mein Jesus Kommt, BWV 151: Recitativo: 'Erfreue Dich, Mein Herz' - Max Van Egmond
Susser Trost, Mein Jesus Kommt, BWV 151: Aria: 'In Jesu Demut Kann Ich Trost' - Paul Esswood
Susser Trost, Mein Jesus Kommt, BWV 151: Recitativo: 'Du Teurer Gottessohn' - Kurt Equiluz
Susser Trost, Mein Jesus Kommt, BWV 151: Chor: 'Heut Schleusst Er Wieder Auf Die Tur' - Knabenchor Hannover/Heinz Hennig/Collegium Vocale, Gent/Philippe Herreweghe
Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152: Con - Concentus Musicus Wien/Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152: Aria: 'Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn' - Thomas Hampson
Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152: Recitativo: 'Der Heiland Ist Gesetzt' - Thomas Hampson
Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152: Aria: 'Stein, Der Uber Alle Schatze' - Christoph Wegmann
Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152: Recitativo: 'Es Argre Sich Die Kluge Welt' - Thomas Hampson
Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn, BWV 152: Duetto: 'Wie Soll Ich Dich, Liebster Der Seelen, Umfassen?' - Christoph Wegmann/Thomas Hampson
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Chor: 'Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind' - Tolzer Knabenchor//Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Recitativo: 'Mein Liebster Gott' - Stefan Rampf
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Aria: 'Furchte Dich Nicht, Ich Bin Mit Dir' - Thomas Hampson
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Recitativo: 'Du Sprichst Zwar, Lieber Gott' - Kurt Equiluz
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Chor: 'Und Ob Gleich Alle Teufel - Tolzer Knabenchor//Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Aria: 'Sturmt Nur, Sturmt, Ihr Trubsalswetter' - Kurt Equiluz
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Recitativo: 'Getrost! Mein Herz, Erdulde Deinen... - Thomas Hampson
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Aria: 'Soll Ich Meinen Lebeslauf' - Stefan Rampf
Schau, Lieber Gott, Wie Meine Feind, BWV 153: Chor: 'Drum Will Ich, Weil Ich Lebe Noch' - Tolzer Knabenchor//Gerhard Schmidt-Gaden

Tracks:

Die Zeit, die Tag und Jahre macht
Auf, Sterbliche, lasset ein Jauchzen ertoenen
So bald, als dir die Sternen hold
Es streiten, es siegen die kuenftigen Zeiten
Bedenke nur, begluecktes Land
Die Zeit, Die Tag Und Jahre Macht, BWV 134A: Aria: 'Der Zeiten Herr Hat Viel Vergnugte Stunden' - Michael Chance
Die Zeit, Die Tag Und Jahre Macht, BWV 134A: Recitativo: 'Hilf, Hochster, Hilf' - Michael Chance/Paul Agnew
Die Zeit, Die Tag Und Jahre Macht, BWV 134A: Chor: 'Ergetzet Auf Erden' - The Amsterdam Baroque Chor/Ton Koopman
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Recitativo: 'Durchlauchtster Leopold' - Lisa Larsson
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Aria: 'Guldner Sonnen Frohe Stunden' - Lisa Larsson
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Aria: 'Leopolds Vortrefflichkeiten' - Klaus Mertens
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Aria: 'Unter Seinem Purpursaum' - Lisa Larsson/Klaus Mertens
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Recitativo: 'Durchlauchtigster, Den Anhalt Vater Nennt' - Lisa Larsson/Klaus Mertens
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Aria: 'So Schau Des Holden Tages Licht' - Lisa Larsson
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Aria: 'Dein Name Gleich Der Sonnen Geh' - Klaus Mertens
Durchlauchtster Leopold, BWV 173A: Chor: 'Nimm Auch, Grosser Furst, Uns Auf' - Lisa Larsson/Klaus Mertens

Tracks:

Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison
Kyrie eleison
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Laudamus te
Mass in b, BWV 232: I. Missa: Gloria: Gratias Agimus Tibi - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
Mass in b, BWV 232: I. Missa: Gloria: Domine Deus - Angela Maria Blasi/Kurt Equiluz
Mass in b, BWV 232: I. Missa: Gloria: Qui Tollis - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
Mass in b, BWV 232: I. Missa: Gloria: Qui Sedes - Jadwiga Rappe
Mass in b, BWV 232: I. Missa: Gloria: Quoniam To Solus - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner
Mass in b, BWV 232: I. Missa: Gloria: Cum Sancto Spiritu - Arnold Schoenberg Chor/Erwin Ortner

Tracks:

Singet dem Herrn ein neres Lied
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf
Komm, Jesu, komm
Jesu, meine Freude
Fuerchte dich nicht, ich bin bei dir
Lobet Den Herrn, Alle Heiden, BWV 230 - Stockholm Bach Chor/Anders Ohrwall

Tracks:

Fantasia et Fuga in g BWV 542
Fuga in g BWV 578
Canzona in d BWV 588
Praeludium et Fuga in h BWV 544
Praeludium et Fuga in a BWV 543
Fant in c, BWV 562 - Ton Koopman
Prld Et Fuga in C, BWV 531 - Ton Koopman
Fant in G, BWV 572 - Ton Koopman
Fant in C, BWV 570 - Ton Koopman
Passacaglia in c, BWV 582 - Ton Koopman

Tracks:

Inventio 1 BWV 772
Inventio 2 BWV 773
Inventio 3 BWV 774
Inventio 4 BWV 775
Inventio 5 BWV 776
Inventio 6 in E, BWV 777 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 7 in e, BWV 778 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 8 in F, BWV 779 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 9 in f, BWV 780 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 10 in G, BWV 781 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 11 in g, BWV 782 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 12 in A, BWV 783 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 13 in a, BWV 784 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 14 in B flat, BWV 785 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Inventio 15 in b, BWV 786 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 1 in C, BWV 787 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 2 in c, BWV 788 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 3 in D, BWV 789 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 4 in d, BWV 790 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 5 in E flat, BWV 791 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 6 in E, BWV 792 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 7 in e, BWV 793 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 8 in F, BWV 794 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 9 in f, BWV 795 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 10 in G, BWV 796 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 11 in g, BWV 797 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 12 in A, BWV 798 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 13 in a, BWV 799 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 14 in B flat, BWV 800 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Sinf 15 in b, BWV 801 - Zuzana Ruzickova

Tracks:

Prelude and Fugue in A minor: Praeludium
Prelude and Fugue in A minor: Fuga
Prelude and Fughetta in E minor: Praeludium
Prelude and Fughetta in E minor: Fuga
Prelude in G major BWV 902a
Fant And Fugue in a, BWV 904: Fant - Zuzana Ruzickova
Fant And Fugue in a, BWV 904: Fuga - Zuzana Ruzickova
Clavier-Buchlein Vor W.F. Bach: Prld in C, BWV 924 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Clavier-Buchlein Vor W.F. Bach: Prld in D, BWV 925 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Clavier-Buchlein Vor W.F. Bach: Prld in d, BWV 926 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Clavier-Buchlein Vor W.F. Bach: Prld in F, BWV 927 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Clavier-Buchlein Vor W.F. Bach: Prld in F, BWV 928 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Clavier-Buchlein Vor W.F. Bach: Prld in g, BWV 930 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Clavier-Buchlein Vor W.F. Bach: Prld in a, BWV 931 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Prld in E, BWV 937 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Prld in C, BWV 939 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Prld in d, BWV 940 - Zuzana Ruzickova
Applicatio in C, BWV 994 - Zuzana Ruzickova

Tracks:

Suite in G minor BWV 995: Prelude
Suite in G minor BWV 995: Allemande
Suite in G minor BWV 995: Courante
Suite in G minor BWV 995: Sarabande
Suite in G minor BWV 995: Gavotte I - Gavotte II en Rondeau
Ste in g, BWV 995: Gigue - Luca Pianca
Ste in e, BWV 996: Prld (Passagio-Presto) - Michele Barchi
Ste in e, BWV 996: Allemande - Michele Barchi
Ste in e, BWV 996: Courante - Michele Barchi
Ste in e, BWV 996: Sarabande - Michele Barchi
Ste in e, BWV 996: Bourree - Michele Barchi
Ste in e, BWV 996: Gigue - Michele Barchi
Ste in c, BWV 997: Prld - Michele Barchi/Luca Pianca
Ste in c, BWV 997: Fuga - Michele Barchi/Luca Pianca
Ste in c, BWV 997: Sarabande - Michele Barchi/Luca Pianca
Ste in c, BWV 997: Gigue-Double - Michele Barchi/Luca Pianca

Tracks:

Concerto for two violins BWV 1043: Vivace
Concerto for two violins BWV 1043: Largo, ma non tanto
Concerto for two violins BWV 1043: Allegro
Concerto BWV 1042: Allegro
Concerto BWV 1042: Adagio
Con in E, BWV 1042: Allegro Assai - Alice Harnoncourt
Con in a, BWV 1041: Allegro - Alice Harnoncourt
Con in a, BWV 1041: Andante - Alice Harnoncourt
Con in a, BWV 1041: Allegro Assai - Alice Harnoncourt
Con in g, BWV 1056R: (Allegro) - Alice Harnoncourt
Con in g, BWV 1056R: Largo - Alice Harnoncourt
Con in g, BWV 1056R: Presto - Alice Harnoncourt
Con in g, BWV 1060R: Allegro - Jurg Schaeftlein/Alice Harnoncourt
Con in g, BWV 1060R: Adagio - Jurg Schaeftlein/Alice Harnoncourt
Con in g, BWV 1060R: Allegro - Jurg Schaeftlein/Alice Harnoncourt

Amazon.com

The Bach renaissance--which began in earnest in the early 19th century thanks to the efforts of Felix Mendelssohn and others--inspired an endeavor of far-reaching significance. It led to the founding of the Bach Society in 1850, with the goal of gathering and publishing the composer's complete works, and thus set into motion one of the great projects of musical scholarship. That effort has continued and been refined throughout the 20th century, ultimately influencing not only our perception of how to perform early music but fundamental ideas of musical history, evolution, and reception as well.

Teldec's mammoth Bach 2000 box set represents a kind of culmination of that original attempt to come to terms with Johann Sebastian Bach's unparalleled legacy. This set brings together performances recorded over the last several decades--a small percentage of the recordings are previously unreleased--of all the extant works determined by modern scholarship to be authentic. There are also some pieces the authorship of which is still in question and a few now deemed "inauthentic" but familiarly associated with the composer. Bach was a prodigious reviser of his compositions, and alternate versions of a particular work have been included "where the changes seemed sufficiently important," such as the glorious Magnificat. No doubt manuscripts will continue to be unearthed here and there in various archives (Bach 2000 contains, for example, the "Neumeister chorales," which were rediscovered in 1984), but the set does not represent the many fragments of music that consist of just a few bars; however, there are some reconstructions of lost concertos (such as one for three violins reconstructed by Christopher Hogwood from an extant concerto for harpsichords).

Of course a truly comprehensive recorded edition of every note Bach wrote remains a utopian impossibility--about one-third of his cantatas, for example, have not survived. Even so, the dimensions of Bach 2000 are staggering. With its 12 boxes comprising 153 CDs, the set can be compressed into fewer boxes to save shelf space yet is still about ten times as long as the Ring cycle. (It should be noted that the packaging--using thin cardboard sleeves for the CDs--is distinctively unattractive.) That adds up to just under 160 hours of music--but a lifetime of discovery. Each box (grouped according to genre) contains a booklet with excellent notes on individual works and--for all the choral works--texts and translations. Tracking indexes are useful and thorough. Also included is a profusely illustrated hardbound volume of 24 Inventions, in which journalist Wolfgang Sandberger uses the composer's biography as a peg for some enigmatic and fascinating musings on the meaning of Bach today.

The presiding philosophy behind this project and its approach to musical interpretation can be largely ascribed to Nikolaus Harnoncourt, a true musical pioneer and galvanizing force of the "period performance" movement. Harnoncourt's epoch-making recordings of the sacred cantatas (using, for instance, boy sopranos and choristers according to the practice in Bach's time) with the Concentus musicus Wien and colleague Gustav Leonhardt comprise the first four volumes here (those who already own them can turn to the Bach 2000 Light edition, which contains everything sans the cantatas). These recordings--which were not remastered for this set--have long been controversial and are notably uneven, embracing some magnificent accounts as well as others that lack fire and seem clearly underrehearsed. But Harnoncourt is one of the most fascinating conductors of our era, and his interpretations amply bear out his assertion: "I have never felt that Bach worked in a routine manner, that he repeated himself in his works." Harnoncourt--who has articulated many of his ideas in his book The Musical Dialogue--displays his gifts as a cellist in a remarkably probing performance of the Cello Suites (originally recorded in 1965) and in his concertizing for a number of chamber works. For the St. Matthew Passion, you get Harnoncourt's groundbreaking earlier account from 1970, while his 1986 recording of the sublime B Minor Mass is also represented here (the St. John Passion included is Harnoncourt's 1995 acount).

Other artists included are colleague Gustav Leonhardt, whose thoughtful if occasionally dry harpsichord artistry is heard in the Goldberg Variations as well as in the concertos and chamber music. The harpsichord is in fact used throughout in preference to piano for the keyboard works. Ton Koopman (himself the conductor of an ongoing complete cantata series and of the Easter Oratorio included here) performs the organ works, including some newly recorded offerings, while Il Giardino Armonico's well-known high-energy account represents the Brandenburg Concertos. Violinist Thomas Zehetmair is exceptionally compelling in the unaccompanied sonatas and partitas, and the Concentus musicus Wien--again under Harnoncourt--perform a superb Musical Offering that richly repays frequent listening.

The result of Bach 2000 as a whole is an aptly encyclopedic grappling with the infinite legacy of this most compendious of composers, whose works are on one level a summation of all the styles available to him. Bach was once thought to represent a "terminal point" (to use Albert Schweitzer's famous formulation), the end of an era; today he is at least equally recognized as a fertile source of inspiration for composers since. To be sure, individual recordings of particular works will be found to be preferable, and it would be misguided to consider Bach 2000 any kind of "final" or "definitive" word. Instead, it's an indispensable starting point that represents a monumental achievement for our own contemporary understanding of Bach. --Thomas May

Album Description

Volume 1, 15 Discs
Sacred Cantatas Nos. 1-14, 16-47; 15 CDs; Harnoncourt/Leonhardt

Volume 2, 15 Discs
Sacred Cantatas Nos. 48-52, 54-69, 69A, 70-99; 15 CDs; Harnoncourt/Leonhardt

Volume 3, 15 Discs
Sacred Cantatas Nos. 100-117, 119-140,143-149; 15 CDs; Harnoncourt/Leonhardt

Volume 4, 15 Discs
Sacred Cantatas BWV 150-159, 161-188, 192, 194-199; 15 CDs; Harnoncourt/Leonhardt

Volume 5, 11 Discs
Secular Cantatas App. Sacred Cantatas; 11 CDs; Koopman, Harnoncourt, Koopman, Goebel and others

Volume 6, 14 Discs
The Sacred Vocal Works Masses,Magnificat, Passions, Oratorios; 14 CDs; Harnoncourt, Koopman, Corboz and others

Volume 7
, 7 Discs
The Motets, Chorales & Songs Kirnberger Chorales,Schemelli Songs, Quodlibet

Volume 8, 16 Discs
The Organ Works; 16 CDs; Ton Koopman

Volume 9, 11 Discs
The Keyboard Works (I) The Well-Tempered Clavier, English & French Suites, Partitas etc; 11 CDs; Curtis, Ross, Wilson, Ruzickova

Volume 10, 11 Discs
The Keyboard Works (II) Goldberg Variations, Toccatas, Fugues, Italian Concerto, etc; 11 CDs; Staier, Barchi, Leonhardt, von Asperen, Baumont, and others

Volume 11, 13 Discs
The Chamber Music Violin Sonatas & Partitas, Flute Sonatas, Works for Lute, Art of Fugue, Musical Offering, etc; 13 CDs; Harnoncourt, Pianca, Tachezi, Brggen, Zehetmair, and others

Volume 12, 10 Discs
The Orchestral Works The Concertos & Orchestral Suite; 10 CDs; Il Giardino Armonico, Harnoncourt, Leonhardt

Customer Reviews:

Bach is priceless.......2006-11-10

I believe, as another reviewer has stated, Bach's music may be the best ever written. Also, I think the cantatas are not where Bach placed his heart and soul. He was, after all, employed as a canter and in a position he did not wish for, but was forced to take to feed his large family. (I recommend "Bach and the High Baroque" lecture series by TTC.) What really stands out on this collection are all works in volumes 8 and above. Some of these works are hard to find and having them all in this collection and preformed on original instruments is great. Bach is priceless and so then is this collection.

Buy the works you like...........2006-01-11

If you love Bach, which you must if you are looking at this particular item, you probably own a couple of his works already. Perhaps some of them are on the Teldec label. There is nothing wrong with Teldec if you are just getting into "classical" music. You will probably enjoy the music thoroughly. I know I did, as one of the first "classical" releases I bought was on Teldec, and it was Bach. I was amazed how great Bach was. Then my brother showed me the same recording, performed by another group, on another label. It had a lot more passion, and the instrumentalists were obviously of a higher level. Pardon my rambling, but what I'm trying to say is, the recordings found in this boxset are not the "cream of the crop." They are perfectly acceptable, easily listenable renditions of what many consider the greatest music...EVER. Take it from me, someone who has leapt into boxset land one too many times: Save your money, buy the individual albums. Take your time, talk to record store clerks (read Amazon reviews), do your research. If you are lucky enough to have a decent record store around, listen to multiple versions of the same work. No one said you had to buy it all at once. It can take a lifetime to fully realize the potency of this music, so enjoy the discovery as long as possible.

Poor Bach.......2005-11-26

In Antony & Cleopatra, Shakespeare wrote: "I shall see some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness...."

I am 99% in favor of original instrument performances, but there are limits. Just imagine if we had the same sort of thing going on with Shakespeare's plays -- men and boys playing all of the women's parts. And if we *really* wanted to be original, they would be squeaking boys "I' th' posture of a whore" (Shakespeare's words). Such performances would knock Monty Python
right out of business.

The Cantatas, which are the lion's share of this collection, are sung by boys, boys, boys. If you want to ruin boy choirs for yourself, then go for it. It might still be a novelty by the fifth CD but by the fiftieth, you will want to throw your &*%$ wig at the squeaking speakers, just as the exasperated Bach famously did with his own wig and his own boy choir. (For which he was reprimanded.)

Does Harnoncourt really, honestly think that Bach would have picked a boy choir if he could have had women? Does anyone seriously believe that Shakespeare would have preferred his parts played by boys instead of women?

If you buy this set, don't buy it for the Cantatas, unless (unlike Bach) you can tolerate immature voices with "wig-tossingly" inconsistent intonation. Hold out for Suzuki or Koopman. Stay away from the Rifkin perfomances, mostly because the recording quality is second and third rate by today's standards. Not that historical performances should be shunned, but you might want to think twice about 60 odd CDs worth of second rate sound.

A Treasure Trove.......2004-03-07

This set is the culmination of several decades of work on the part of the West German record label Teldec (formerly known as Telefunken-Decca). With their early-music subdivision Das Alte Werk (similar to DG's Archiv or Decca's L'Oiseau-Lyre), Teldec have been in the forefront of exploring the world of period instruments and authentic performance practice, with special emphasis on the works of J.S.Bach. The lion's share of recordings here was originally made for Das Alte Werk, with the odd exception here and there licensed from other labels in order to fill in the gaps. The centerpiece of the set is the famous recording of the 199 church cantatas by Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Gustav Leonhardt. If you're not familiar with the cantatas, there's a whole world of drama, color and expression right here waiting for you. You'll also be surprised to learn how many of the "tunes" you know from popular arrangements, like "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and "Sleepers Awake" are actually movements from cantatas. The names of Harnoncourt and Leonhardt pop up again and again; they were both mainstays of the Teldec roster. Leonhardt gives us his 1965 Goldberg Variations on a Dulcken harpsichord whose every tone is like a bell, and Harnoncourt's "home" recording of the Cello Suites (never intended for general release) shows the ferment of a great musical mind. Ton Koopman gives us his provocative and controversial re-thinkings of the organ works, and Thomas Zehetmair's performances of the unaccompanied violin sonatas and partitas are like dramatic scenes spoken by a solo violin. Here are the uniquely bizarre Brandenburg Concertos by Il Giardino Armonico; the rhetorical and transparent performance of the motets conducted by Harnoncourt (perhaps his best-ever recording); Leonhardt's relaxed and smiling versions of the harpsichord concertos; Alice Harnoncourt's tawny, leonine performances of the sonatas for violin and harpsichord; Harnoncourt's chiaroscuro-filled performance of the Christmas Oratorio, and so on. This set is one of the most worthwhile CD buys you could make. You will never be bored with this to dip into over the years.

147 out of 153 ain't bad!.......2001-04-29

Having listened to the complete set, I can confidently recommend it, if you would use a complete set of Bach's works.

If you really like Bach, it is well worth getting. You will read disparaging reviews which will tell you that there are better performances of individual works. But this is a great opportunity for a Bach lover to get very good versions of his entire oeuvre.

In the set of 60 CDs of sacred cantatas, there are about 6 duds, which feature out of tune boy sopranos! If you are not crazy about sacred cantatas, you can buy a set which omits them, which may be advised!

I love the version of the Mass in B minor, though it is very different from our set by Munchinger [which we really enjoy].

The Brandenburgs are great. THe first movement of the first concerto is a knock out! Very brassy and bombastic: quite different from the 3 or 4 other versions I have previously enjoyed.

We are a piano family and have many CDs of Bach keyboard works played on piano [though we also have the Well Tempered Clavier on harpsichord and clavichord] The keyboard performances in the set are all on harpsichord and are lively and very enjoyable.

It takes some getting used to the authentic Baroque flute performances: especially occasional out-of-tuneness. But these are also interesting and musically played.

Tracks:

Prudium Und Fuge er B-A-C-H
Drei Bach-Bearbeitungen - Adagio Aus Der Violinsonate Nr.4 Bwv 1017
Drei Bach-Bearbeitungen - Choralbearbeitung -Aus Tiefer Not Schrei Ich Zu Dir- Bwv 38
Drei Bach-Bearbeitungen - Vorspiel Und Fuge Aus Der Kantate -Ich Hatte Viel Bekmernis- Bwv 21
Ave Maris Stella
Introitus
Orgelmesse - Kyrie
Orgelmesse - Gloria
Orgelmesse - Graduale
Orgelmesse - Credo
Orgelmesse - Offertorium
Orgelmesse - Sanctus
Orgelmesse - Benedictus
Orgelmesse - Agnus Dei
-Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen-, Variationen er Den Basso Continuo Des Ersten Satzes Der Kantante
Prudium -Excelsior-
Am Grabe Richard Wagners
Orpheus, Sinfonische Dichtung
Introduktion, Fuge Und Magnificat Aus Der Symphonie Zu Dantes -Divinia Comedia-
Resignazione
Andante Religioso
-Les Morts-, Oratorium Nach Lammenais
O Sacrum Convivium
Drei Trtungen- Adagio (Trtung Iv In Des-Dur)
Drei Trtungen - Trtungv In E-Dur
Drei Trtungen - Trtung (Trtung Vi In E-Dur)
Weimarer Volkslied
Drei Transskriptionen Anderer Werke - Prude Op.28-4, F. Chopin
Drei Transskriptionen Anderer Werke - Prude Op.28-9, F. Chopin
Drei Transskriptionen Anderer Werke - Pilgerchor Aus -Tannhser-, R.Wagner
Prudium -In Dominum Domini Ibimus-
Auferstehung An Der Sixtinischen Kapelle
Ave Maria
Vorspiel Zu -Die Legende Der Heiligen Elisabeth-
Ungarns Gott
Offertorium Aus Der Ungarischen Krungsmesse
Gebet
Savimo, Slavno, Slaveni
Ave Maria Von Arcadelt
Vier Bearbeitungen Anderer Werke - Regina Coeli Laetare (Orlando Di Lasso)
Vier Bearbeitungen Anderer Werke - Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart)
Vier Bearbeitungen Anderer Werke - Agnus Dei (Verdi)
Vier Bearbeitungen Anderer Werke - Heilige Festouverte er Den Choral -Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser
Der Papst-Hymnus
Salve Regina
-San Francesca-, Preludio Per Il Cantico Del Sol Di San Francesco
Ora Pro Nobis, Litanei
Choral -Nun Danket Alle Gott-
Requiem F Orgel - Requiem Eternam
Requiem F Orgel - Dies Irae
Requiem F Orgel - Recordare Pie Jesu!
Requiem F Orgel - Sanctus
Requiem F Orgel - Benedictus
Requiem F Orgel - Agnus Dei
Requiem F Orgel - Postludium
Fantasie Und Fuge er Den Choral -Ad Nos, Ad Salutarem Undam- - Fantasia
Fantasie Und Fuge er Den Choral -Ad Nos, Ad Salutarem Undam- - Fuga. Allegretto Con Moto

Album Details

Ddd. 4CD. This Recording Presents all Original Organ Compositions by Franz Liszt, Performed on an Authentic Organ from the Romantic Period, Stefanjohannes Bleicher.

Customer Reviews:

Great sound, but I don't think this is all the organ music........2003-01-24

Maybe not a "must-have" for Liszt lovers, but it's a step in the right direction to get you warmed-up for one. Sadly, the CD released on Hungaraton is much more complete (I noticed "Via Crucis" was missing) and a lot pricier than this, but if you can listen to all of this in one setting, you won't be wasting time with that collection either.
Liszt wrote many beautiful and powerful pieces of music for piano, orchestra, piano AND orchestra, and it turns out, some of the most astounding music written for the organ since JS Bach!
Lots of very solemn, religious music (Particularly a Requiem written for his children, who tragically died young, and his parents), and some of the more characteristically fierce compostions ("Prelude & Fugue on B-A-C-H") that practically eclipse his most pyrotechnical piano music (Though Liszt did do a piano reading of the Prelude & Fugue that sounds just as electrifying). A REAL highlight for me is a piece titled "Introitus" with chord changes pushing the envelope far ahead of the 19th Century (Makes you wonder if Brian Wilson or Pete Townshend happened to hear this piece very early on in their lives).
Also of interest are several transcriptions (something Liszt was VERY characteristic of) of other composers--Pieces by Chopin, Mozart, and Wagner (Awesome re-arrangement of "Pilgrim's Chorus" from Tannhauser) among them.
Stefan Bleicher is splendid on this herculean recording (He completed it between Jan and July '98), and he's also done one for Saint-Saens. It'd be nice if he could do Bach's Organ music so we could get cheaper CD sets on Arte Nova (even though he'd probably have to do three times as many 4-disc sets for Bach)!

J. S. Bach: Organ Works Complete, Vol. II

Average customer rating:

J. S. Bach: Organ Works Complete, Vol. II

Manufacturer: Raven Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000004AHT
Release Date: 1995-09-26

Pathways of Baroque Music-Instrumental Music

Average customer rating:

Pathways of Baroque Music-Instrumental Music

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000007I0
Release Date: 1997-12-09

Average customer rating:

J. S. Bach Organ Works Complete, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Raven Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006A8M
Release Date: 1998-03-17

J. S. Bach: Organ Works Complete, Vol. 1

Average customer rating:

J. S. Bach: Organ Works Complete, Vol. 1

Manufacturer: Raven Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000009K1B
Release Date: 1995-01-01

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