Bach: English Suites Nos. 2, 4 & 5 / Perahia

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The present release completes Murray Perahia's survey of Bach's six English Suites. Pianistically speaking, there's much to admire: the unruffled sonority, pinpointed technique, and an ability to spin luminous textures through fingerwork and hand balances alone, eschewing the sustain pedal. Perahia's fluent left hand may not match the rhythmic resilience of Glenn Gould's, nor do his ornaments sing out with the improvisatory confidence András Schiff brings to his equally colorful, but more measured, readings. By the same token, Perahia's perfectly judged tempos honor the music's dance origins. Yet there's a studied, self-conscious quality to the pianist's choices regarding color and articulation, brought on by his frequent telegraphing of a textural shift via slight ritards or little holdbacks at cadential points. After a while, one can predict these before they occur. Still, only a genuine master can play this well. One hopes Perahia's preoccupation with Bach is not a temporary fancy. --Jed Distler

Bach: English Suites Nos. 2, 4 & 5 / Perahia, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, Murray Perahia, Chamber Music & Recitals, Classical, Classical Artists, Classical Music, Keyboard, Suite/Partita for Keyboard
Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A great introduction to Baroque music...
  • Good "best of" CD, but nothing more.
  • Phenomenal Collection of Music
  • Phenomenal Collection of Music
  • DEFINES "CLASSIC"
 Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003F5Y
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

  1. Canon
  2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3: Allegro
  3. Messiah: Overture
  4. The Four Seasons: Spring: Allegro (Danza pastorale)
  5. Orchestral Suite No. 2: Menuet & Badinerie
  6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  7. Guitar Concerto in D: Adagio
  8. Xerxes: Largo
  9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Allegro Assai (Theme From 'Firing Line')
  10. Orchestral Suite No. 3: Air On The G String
  11. Royal Fireworks Music: Overture (excerpt)
  12. Water Music: Hornpipe
  13. Brandenberg Concerto No. 5: Allegro
  14. Adagio
  15. The Four Seasons: Winter: Allegro non molto
  16. Rondeau (Theme from 'Masterpiece Theatre')

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Baroque music..........2005-10-04

This CD contains a great sampling of Baroque music. Some of the best known songs of the period are included. Listeners will likely instantly recognize many of the songs (you've likely heard them before, you just didn't know their names). An excellent rendition of Pachelbel's Canon starts off the CD. Then plenty of music from big names such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi fill out the disc's 72 and a half minutes of music.

The demographics of this disc point to an intended mainstream audience. For example, the track listing includes references to which songs served as themes for television shows. For example, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 includes the byline "Theme from 'Firing Line'" and Mouret's Rondeau says "Theme from 'Masterpiece Theater'". So this collection does represent a popular collection of Baroque songs. And it plays that role very well.

Other standout tracks include: 2 movements from Vivaldi's justifiably famous "The Four Seasons", Bach's amazing "Air on the G String" and Handel's "Xerxes". The disc includes no vocal tracks. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" from Bach's Cantata No. 147 gets performed on a solo organ (the original has vocals and a string arrangement). So those uneasy with "classical style singing" will find no problems here.

All in all, this disc serves as a good introduction to a great period of music history. It could also serve as a starting point for selecting a favorite composer or as a guide for building a classical music collection.

4 out of 5 stars Good "best of" CD, but nothing more........2001-09-27

This CD does what it says it does: it gives you a brief, excellently recorded overview of the Baroque. But remember, this is just bits and pieces of a great store of music.

This CD will whet your appetite. You'll need to buy more, after you've heard the excerts of the great works here.

5 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-19

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

5 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-18

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good, but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

5 out of 5 stars DEFINES "CLASSIC".......2000-05-26

We have all heard the infinitely moving Canon in D by Pachelbel hundreds of times - it is not surprising that it has appeared, in one form or another, in commercials, films (most notably Ordinary People, which used the main theme as the underscoring for the entire film) - it is perfect, simple and incredibly, undeniably moving. But you are in for more treats on this basic Baroque sampler, which features many popular themes you may know, despite the fact that you may not be a hard-core classical music buff. The joy of each and every one of these cuts lies in their simple, enduring melodies and the gorgeous musical settings provided here. They sound fresh, new and as contemporary as anything you might hear on the radio. This album has a holiday after-effect as well; the fanfares, hymns and exciting instrumentation (horns, harps, strings galore) make you feel as if it is Christmas every day.
Bach: English Suites Nos. 2, 4 & 5 / Perahia
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The definitive performance
  • Moderate Bach
  • Perahia....
  • Perahia understands Bach.
  • astounding!
 Bach: English Suites Nos. 2, 4 & 5 / Perahia

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Bach: English Suites Nos. 1, 3 & 6
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  5. Handel/Scarlatti: Murray Perahia Plays Handel & Scarlatti

ASIN: B00000HXL7
Release Date: 1999-01-19

Tracks:

  1. Suite No.2 in A minor BWV 807 - I. Prde
  2. Suite No.2 in A minor BWV 807 - II. Allemande
  3. Suite No.2 in A minor BWV 807 - III. Courante
  4. Suite No.2 in A minor BWV 807 - IV. Sarabande
  5. Suite No.2 in A minor BWV 807 - V. BourI
  6. Suite No.2 in A minor BWV 807 - VI. BourII
  7. Suite No.2 in A minor BWV 807 - VII. Gigue
  8. Suite No.4 in F BWV 809 - I. Prde
  9. Suite No.4 in F BWV 809 - II. Allemande
  10. Suite No.4 in F BWV 809 - III. Courante
  11. Suite No.4 in F BWV 809 - IV. Sarabande
  12. Suite No.4 in F BWV 809 - V. Menuett I
  13. Suite No.4 in F BWV 809 - VI. Menuett II
  14. Suite No.4 in F BWV 809 - VII. Gigue
  15. Suite No.5 in E minor BWV 810 - I. Prde
  16. Suite No.5 in E minor BWV 810 - II. Allemande
  17. Suite No.5 in E minor BWV 810 - III. Courante
  18. Suite No.5 in E minor BWV 810 - IV. Sarabande
  19. Suite No.5 in E minor BWV 810 - V. Passepied I (en Roneau)
  20. Suite No.5 in E minor BWV 810 - VI. Passepied II
  21. Suite No.5 in E minor BWV 810 - VII. Gigue

Amazon.com

The present release completes Murray Perahia's survey of Bach's six English Suites. Pianistically speaking, there's much to admire: the unruffled sonority, pinpointed technique, and an ability to spin luminous textures through fingerwork and hand balances alone, eschewing the sustain pedal. Perahia's fluent left hand may not match the rhythmic resilience of Glenn Gould's, nor do his ornaments sing out with the improvisatory confidence András Schiff brings to his equally colorful, but more measured, readings. By the same token, Perahia's perfectly judged tempos honor the music's dance origins. Yet there's a studied, self-conscious quality to the pianist's choices regarding color and articulation, brought on by his frequent telegraphing of a textural shift via slight ritards or little holdbacks at cadential points. After a while, one can predict these before they occur. Still, only a genuine master can play this well. One hopes Perahia's preoccupation with Bach is not a temporary fancy. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The definitive performance.......2007-03-16

Murray Perahia is to the English Suites as Glenn Gould is to the Goldberg Variations. This is a thoughtful interpretation of Bach's carefully wrought structure with each voice given a crystalline presence. There are no fireworks, no bravado, just the pure heart of the music.

5 out of 5 stars Moderate Bach.......2004-03-02

As the title of my review suggests, the performances featured here take a very middle-of-the-road approach: neither the frenetic rhythmicity of Gould, nor the relatively lyrical Bach by Kempff and others. They are entirely convincing. I find other performers' Bach sound cerebral, putting too much effort into consciously emphasising the different voices. (This pretty much sums up what I have to say about Hewitt's recently released recording of the suites, actually)
Perahia plays with pleasing rhythmic drive, the utmost clarity and a natural sense for the dynamics of the pieces. Along with his recording of the other suites, I highly recommend this as a starting set of English Suites. Only then wound I consider getting Gould's set. But then, others might insist that for them, it must be Gould, and I wouldn't argue with that.

5 out of 5 stars Perahia...........2003-03-05

Perahia's mastery of Bach is in his subtulty. He never gets in the way of Bach's music. Many performancers of Bach tend to force their personalities upon the music, which is alright if you want very eclectic recordings, but for pure sound and understanding, Perahiah is where it is at.
One of the most impressive abilities of Perahia in this album is the fact that he brings out each voice so clearly, yet always keeps everything in balance. His tone is very pure and clear, but never too staccato and detatched, as some pianists play Bach, or is never too heavy on pedal, which is something I have heard as well.
I would definatly recommend this recording. It is solid, and very deep. Bach at his best.

5 out of 5 stars Perahia understands Bach........1999-10-31

A compelling and sparkling recording, that captivates and grows on you, like all good Bach interpretations. Although not on a harpsichord, Perahia fully masters and comprehends the "authentic" creative world of JS Bach. Unlike some Gould extravaganzas, the interpreter here is totally subservient to the music. Perahia's rendition brings to light both the joy and the (strive for the) religious sublime that permeates these compositions, something that is often missing in many a too "virtuosic" interpretation.

5 out of 5 stars astounding!.......1999-10-19

Perahia's performance of Bach is a revelation of what can be done with this music on the piano. Sure, it is not an original instrument (who cares?); sure it is not as eccentric as Gould (why bother doing that again?). But it is beautifully played Bach, with a sense of counterpoint, lyricism, and rhythmic vitality that nobody else has yet matched.
CBS Dinner Classics: Sunday Brunch, Vol. 2
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wow!!! The Good Humored Ladies!
 CBS Dinner Classics: Sunday Brunch, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000277P
Release Date: 1991-01-09

Tracks:

  1. Orchestral Suite No. 2, BWV 1067: Badinerie
  2. Abdelazer (The Moor's Revenge) Z. 570: Rondeau
  3. Cantata No. 78: Wir Eilen Mit Schwachen
  4. Oboe Concerto No. 2 In D Minor: II. - Adagio
  5. Solomon: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
  6. Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G Major, R. 532: II - Andante
  7. Bernice: Minuet
  8. Flute Concerto In D Major, Op.10 , No.3, R. 428 'Il Cardellino': I - Allegro
  9. Cantata No. 147: Jesu, Joy Mans Desiring
  10. Mandolin Concerto In C Major, R.425: I - Allegro
  11. Cantata No. 156: Sinfonia
  12. Water Music: Bourree
  13. Water Music: Hornpipe
  14. Le donne di buon umore: 4. Andante
  15. Le donne di buon umore: 3. Allegro
  16. Water Music: Air
  17. Water Music: [Menuet]
  18. Water Music: [Hornpipe]
  19. The Gordian Knot Unty'd, Z.597: I - Overture
  20. The Gordian Knot Unty'd, Z.597: II - Air
  21. The Gordian Knot Unty'd, Z.597: III - Rondeau Minuet
  22. Abdelazer (The Moor's Revenge) Z. 570: Air
  23. Concerto For Harpsichord In F Minor, BWV 1056: II - Largo
  24. Violin Concerto In F Major, Op. 8, no. 3: 'Autumn' From The Four Seasons: III - Allegro
  25. Fanfares For Trumpets, Timpani, Violins & Oboes; Suites de symphonies, Premiere Suite: I - 'Rondeau' [Allegro]

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wow!!! The Good Humored Ladies!.......2006-08-03

The 'Good Humored Ladies' written by Scarlatti is recorded by the Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Louis Lane. This recording alone is a good reason to add this CD to your collection. It was issued many years ago and finally re-released again.

Other music on the CD is also high quality sound and very relaxing.

An addition to the music includes recipes inside the paper cover.
Mad About Baroque
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • I'm Mad About Baroque
  • Amazing!
 Mad About Baroque

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Mad About Bach
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ASIN: B000001GKF
Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

  1. The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
  2. Canon In D
  3. Rondeau (Masterpiece Theater Theme)
  4. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  5. Water Music: Allegro-Andante(Allegro da capo)
  6. Water Music: Air
  7. Water Music: Bourree
  8. Water Music: Hornpipe
  9. Xerxes: Largo
  10. Sound Of The Trumpet, Sound
  11. The Four Seasons 'Winter': Largo
  12. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
  13. Adagio In G Minor
  14. Music For The Royal Fireworks: La Rejouissance
  15. Concerto For Lute In D Major: Largo
  16. Christmas Concerto: Allegro, Pastorale. Largo
  17. Concerto No. 1 For Oboe & String Orchestra: Adagio - Allegro
  18. Concerto No. 12 In B Minor: Aria. Larghetto e Piano
  19. Le Coucou
  20. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I'm Mad About Baroque.......2007-01-05

I love this CD and am so pleased to have purchased it. I put it on almost daily at work -- it is the perfect length equipt with the perfect choice music.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing!.......2002-12-18

I thouroughly enjoy this CD! The music is beautiful enough to listen to all by itself, but also quiet and peaceful enough to listen to while studying for exams or doing homework. Mad about Baroque has been in my discman for many weeks and accompanied to the library many times. This is a great CD!
Hooked on Classics 4: Baroque
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Pretty Damn Good
  • Great CD, specially the adagio.
  • It's No Louis Clark & the Royal Philharmonic... But it's ok
  • No So Great
 Hooked on Classics 4: Baroque

Manufacturer: K-Tel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Hooked on Classics 3: Journey Through the Classics
  2. Hooked On Classics
  3. More Hooked On Classics
  4. Hooked on Classics
  5. Hooked on Christmas

ASIN: B000000RYV
Release Date: 1992-05-08

Tracks:

  1. Hooked On Baroque 2
  2. Hooked On Adagio
  3. Hooked On Gigue
  4. Hooked On Fugue
  5. Hooked On Handel
  6. Hooked On Vivaldi
  7. Hooked On Scarlatti
  8. Hooked On Baroque 2 (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Pretty Damn Good.......2004-07-06

I received as a gift the box set of all four Hooked On Classics CD's. As an avid fan of classical music, I was quite shocked to hear DRUMS in the background! I didn't really know what the Hooked On Classics series was, so I didn't know what to expect. As such, I eventually got used to the percussion, and found that I liked the fourth CD the best of all of them. The drums are more tolerable, and the recording quality is much improved over the other volumes. The playing is superb; on par with any legitimate recording made by any professional orchestra. The selections are diverse, and the arrangements are refreshing. HOC 4 was my link to many of the full-length versions of the excerpts featured, and I especially like the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th tracks (the 8th track is simply an extended version of the 1st, which makes it a much better rendition). The harpsichord playing in the 7th track is outstanding, as are the arrangements for this track. The climax will give you chills. All in all, an excellent album. I give it four stars only because as a die-hard purist, I don't suppose Bach and Vivaldi and Scarlatti would be too happy if they were to hear percussion along with their music. It would be interesting to see what the tracks would sound like without this.

5 out of 5 stars Great CD, specially the adagio........2004-01-28

I love this CD in particular, because it introduced me to various greatest hits of baroque. I used it to practice my music as a teenager. I recommed this to you, specially if you have kids, because the drum sounds, make it easier to listen to the new generations. I loved the Pachelbel, and the adagio part is Super Excellent.

2 out of 5 stars It's No Louis Clark & the Royal Philharmonic... But it's ok.......2003-12-07

Back in 81 when I got the original Hooked on Classics record as a gift (which I still have), I discovered the beauty and power of classical music in a different way. Now, classical music makes up 1/3 of my music library because of that compilation of classics (thanks to Louis Clark and the Royal Philharmonic).

So would I say this volume 4 has the same effect? I'd answer no, but I did like tracks 2 & 7.

2 out of 5 stars No So Great.......2003-10-29

Once again another pathetic attempt at recreating what Louis Clark did with the original Hooked on the Classics. He succeeded by getting many of us hooked to the classics...something this album probably can't and won't do.
Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Is Naxos really the best version?
  • Definitive Historic Bach by Casals.
  • Essential part of any collection
  • Casals reveals all
  • Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6
 Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Bach: Suites for Solo Cello
  2. Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
  3. Bach: Six Unaccompanied Cello Suites
  4. Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6
  5. Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas

ASIN: B00004VXD2
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Prelude
  2. Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Allemande
  3. Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Courante
  4. Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Sarabande
  5. Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Menuets I And II
  6. Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Gigue
  7. Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Prelude
  8. Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Allemande
  9. Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Courante
  10. Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Sarabande
  11. Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Menuets I And II
  12. Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Gigue
  13. Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Prelude
  14. Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Allemande
  15. Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Courante
  16. Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Sarabande
  17. Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Bourrees I And II
  18. Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Gigue
  19. Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Prelude
  20. Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Allemande
  21. Courante
  22. Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Sarabande
  23. Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Bourrees I And II
  24. Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Gigue

Tracks:

  1. Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Prelude
  2. Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Allemande
  3. Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Courante
  4. Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Sarabande
  5. Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Gavottes I And II
  6. Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Gigue
  7. Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Prelude
  8. Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Allemande
  9. Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Courante
  10. Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Sarabande
  11. Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Gavottes I And II
  12. Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Gigue
  13. Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C Major, BWV 564: Adagio In A Minor
  14. Gavottes I And II From English Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 811: Musette
  15. Komm, Susser Tod, BWV 478
  16. Sonata No.2 For Unaccompanied Violin, BWV 1003: Andante
  17. Suite No.3 In D, BWV 1068: Air

Amazon.com essential recording

For many of us, Pablo Casals's legendary interpretation of Bach's six cello suites--the 1930s recordings that showcased these works as far more than mere finger exercises for cellists--are still definitive. Casals rediscovered these previously appreciated compositions and did his damnedest to illustrate their importance. Hence, his bold, romantic interpretations, which may lack subtlety but certainly not substance or grace. With Naxos's new remastering from audio producer Ward Marston, this bargain-priced recording makes a vast improvement on EMI's more expensive version of these exact same recordings (and a subtle improvement over Pearl's even pricier remastering). Here, you can finally turn up the stereo and get the full sonic depth of these recordings without fatiguing your ears from a ton of surface noise. Instead, you simply get lost in Casals's flowing, passionate playing and impeccable tone. This has always been a landmark recording and it's never sounded better than this. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Is Naxos really the best version?.......2006-11-12

I won't discuss the merits of Pablo Casals' version of Bach's Suites for Solo Cello, other reviewers have already done that. I will note that he ranks in the very top tier out of all the 12 versions I own. My other top tier favorites are Navarra, Fournier, Starker and Thedeen.

I do not own Ma's latest version nor Rostropovich's version, but I have heard them both. I find Ma to be too slick for his own good - he is indeed so technically correct that he plays the notes a bit too perfectly and in doing so somehow loses the essence of the music... if that makes any sense? Ultimately I do not find Ma convincing, a computer could be programmed to do the same thing. Rostropovich, however, is just the opposite, too sloppy (or some would say too romantic) - he just doesn't sound like Bach to me. I do like a few of his interpretations, but overall I think he misses the mark more than he finds it. I do not mean to suggest that both Ma and Rostropovich do not have their moments or that others have not found them satisfying, but overall there are other performers that just do a better job for me in terms of what I find important. My favorites are not going to be the same as yours all the time. But, at least now you know where I am coming from and where my biases are.

For Casals, the main issue is the sound quality of the various versions that are available. There is the older EMI version, the Remastered EMI, Naxos, Pearl, Opus Kura and Classica D'oro. Out of these choices, which one has the best trade off between noise reduction and the music? These are all sourced from old 78's recorded in the late 1930's, but each uses a different approach to noise reduction. I started off as most of you probably have by listening to the internet MP3 sound bites of all of the various versions - MP3s are not exactly the best way to make a judgment call on sound quality, but I did find that the two versions on CD that I did eventually purchase actually sound very much like the MP3s - there were no surprises in that regard.

So, from that listening perspective (MP3) I can tell you that I was not impressed by the Naxos version nor the Classica D'oro version. Naxos sounded hollow, boxed in and constricted and the Classica D'oro just sounded very processed. I realize that many reviewers praise the Naxos version, but I found the MP3 sound bite to be very constricted - again, this is only the MP3 sound bite, so take it for what it is worth. The MP3 of Opus Kura had a lot of hiss, the most of all these versions, but it also had a very full sound. The Remastered EMI MP3 also had a full sound, but with only moderate hiss. The Pearl sounded decent as well, but perhaps not quite as good as the Opus Kura or Remastered EMI. The Pearl was done somewhat earlier than all the others. So, I passed on the Naxos and the Classica D'oro for quality reasons. I also passed on the Pearl and instead purchased both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI versions, as those were also the ones done most recently and hopefully with the latest technology. The Japanese Opus Kura label also has a very solid reputation of valuing musical integrity over all else.

A quick comment on the two EMI versions. Most critics did not like the older EMI version because of overdone noise reduction. I have not heard that version, nor do I ever want to considering the many negative reviews I have seen! However, EMI remastered these performances in 2003 and this has apparently resulted in a much improved product.

O.K. now on to the comparisons; for hiss levels, both the Opus Kura and the Remastered EMI had quite a bit of hiss and surface noise. The Remastered EMI wins with less overall hiss noise and somewhat lower surface noise as well. The Opus Kura clearly has more hiss. It's not always a whole lot more, but it is more and it is more noticeable on some tracks versus others. But, note that the hiss levels can always be adjusted very easily with a graphic equalizer or more preferably with a noise gate. I did make an experimental CD-R copy of the Opus Kura on a CD-R with a noise gate (using Nero) and the result was very good and comparable to the Remastered EMI version in terms of hiss. Even so, if hiss is your major concern and you don't want to mess with a noise gate then just get the Remastered EMI version.

However, if you ignore hiss as a factor, which version sounds better in the living room? And by the way I have an audiophile quality sound system. Here Opus Kura wins hands down. There is no comparison. Opus Kura has all the room ambiance and lower bass tone, overtones and frequency range that the Remastered EMI version has filtered out. The Remastered EMI has no low bass where all the overtones reside - it's just not there and as a result the mid bass stands out more. I must admit that this approach has it's own appeal as it gives the illusion that the recording is both sharper and tighter sounding than it really is and it does bring out more of the mid bass, but the reality is that you are not getting all of the music as originally recorded. Still, it does not sound "bad" and perhaps this is a good trade off. The Opus Kura, on the other hand, fills the room with all the music, including all the lower bass overtones and makes it seem like Pablo is in the room. If you turn the Opus Kura up loud and go into the next room you would think Casals is actually in there playing live. The Remastered EMI in the same test sounds cleaner, but without the deepest overtones it sounds less like a real cello and more like just a deep toned viola - this is a solo cello we are talking about and you don't just EQ out the tonal quality of the instrument (and the room ambience) without losing some of the realism. That being said, it really comes down to personal choice. After listening for a few minutes the ear adjusts to either version. If you did not have the more natural sounding Opus Kura to compare to you would never know what you are missing with the Remastered EMI version. On the other hand, some listeners will actually appreciate the different tonal emphasis on the mid bass that the Remastered EMI offers. I did an A-B blind test with a friend who noted immediately the lack of bass in the Remastered EMI, yet still enjoyed listening to that one as much as the Opus Kura. She did not have a particular preference for one over the other, but they sound so different from each other that at first she thought these were entirely difference performances from different artists! Obviously, some of you will only care about getting rid of "all the hiss", while others want "all of the music." You know who you are. The Opus Kura version strives to keep all the music regardless while the Remastered EMI compromises a bit to lower the noise levels.

A few comments on listening in the car; I really cannot tolerate much hiss in a small confined environment like the car where it can really drown out the music. So, I made my own CD-R recording of the Opus Kura with the NERO noise gate set at 62db for the level and 30db for reduction. This works very well in cutting the hiss down to size and still retaining the music. The only problem with noise gates is that people tend to overuse it - just a little is enough! I did the same with the Remastered EMI at a slightly higher level (70db) and 30db and this also gave a fine result in terms of acceptable hiss levels. Because the three-dimensionality and room ambiance is not as much of an issue in the car environment, I would say that either version (the Opus Kura or the Remastered EMI) would work fine in the car - and if you happen to also have a graphic equalizer the right adjustments might also help make a difference.

Here's the bottom line. For the best sound in your living room, my personal choice is the Opus Kura with the full range of sound, but with more hiss and more surface noise. The Remastered EMI, however, is a fair enough alternative with lower hiss levels and hardly any surface noise (most of the time) and an emphasis (rightly or wrongly) on the just the mid bass. For the car, I think either version works out o.k., but only if you do some remastering yourself with a noise gate to make your own personalized CD-R version that cuts down the hiss.

I hope this helps.


5 out of 5 stars Definitive Historic Bach by Casals........2006-11-09

As other reviewers have mentioned, Pablo Casals' historic recordings of Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suites have been released on numerous CD's on various labels. However, if you can track it down, the Naxos release is probably as close to definitive as it gets.
While the recordings date from 1936-1939, the sound and remastering courtesy of the legendary Ward Marston is amazing (although there is some slight hiss heard throughout the recordings). Casals' cello performances resonate with sheer beauty and almost gives the impression that he is sitting right in front of you performing live. The emotion, sense of yearning and joyfulness leap through with each stroke of the bow.
Additionally, the Naxos release includes four additional Bach cello pieces that date from an earlier period (1927-1930) and provide a nice coda to the dramatic Cello Suites which precedes them on this disc.
After listening to Pablo Casals' performance in this set, it's easy to see why these recordings still stand the test of time. These recordings are the model on which the later ones are (or should be, at least) based. Even if you already own other recordings of these fabulous Suites whether it be by Yo Yo Ma, Rostropovich etc., the classic Casals recordings are definitely worth owning not only for the historical aspect but for musical aspects as well.
Definitive Bach by the legendary Pablo Casals.

5 out of 5 stars Essential part of any collection.......2006-04-29

I was initially reluctant to purchase this recording (because of noise), but one beautiful morning I saw it new on sale for about $3, and of course only an idiot wouldn't have gone for it. Actually it is well restored, the sound is full-bodied, deep and round. It is tiring on the ears to listen to more than one Suite without adjustments, but now I use my Graphic Equalizer, which almost completely eliminates background noise. So, if you have still got this device, there should be no problems. Otherwise, playing it on the equipment of lower quality is preferable (i.e. your computer speakers). This makes noise less obtrusive. Casals' style is somewhat (not a lot) Romantic, but he plays with such genius and conviction that this doesn't matter. Now, with the Equalizer, I can play both CDs through, and each time I am left with an impression that something important has just happened. This recording is one of those rare ones which mould the listener, bring out the best in us and ultimately make us better human beings. It goes beyond its physical limitations straight into the Metaphysical.

5 out of 5 stars Casals reveals all.......2005-10-08

This must be one of the definitive performances of the Bach Cello suites. A must for any lover of Bach or Casals.

5 out of 5 stars Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6.......2005-08-12

What an amazing talent. Every time I hear someone play the cello I compare them to the greats, there is no comparison when it comes to Casals. Like DuPre and Yoyo, he stands alone and is a wonder of nature. If you want to play, you need to practice, you need to love the instrument, you need to be lyrical in you playing, becoming comfortable with the music and the instrument, you need to emulate the greats! What a great artist to emulate!
Bach: English Suites Nos 1-6, BWV 806-811 (Edition Bachakademie Vol 113) /Levin (piano)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A piano performance to win over harpsichord die-hards
  • Robert Levin rocks Bach
 Bach: English Suites Nos 1-6, BWV 806-811 (Edition Bachakademie Vol 113) /Levin (piano)

Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Bach: French Suites Nos 1-6, BWV 812-817 (Edition Bachakademie Vol 114) /Aldwell (piano)
  2. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1
  3. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2
  4. Mozart Piano Sonatas K. 279, K. 280, K. 281 on Fortepiano Vol. 1

ASIN: B00004TKFJ
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A piano performance to win over harpsichord die-hards.......2005-06-28

I am a huge Robert Levin fan but a "Bach on piano" sceptic. In the liner notes Levin comments on his own enjoyment of playing Bach on either piano or harpsichord. What comes across is that, like his frequent collaborator John Eliot Gardiner, he takes a more pragmatic approach to historically-informed performance than others. (Was that something they learned during their studies with Nadia Boulanger?) There is, of course, no compromise when it comes to musicality - Levin has a profound understanding of the logic of the music, expressed in phrasing and articulation, "notes inegales", and the details of the ornamentation.

Speaking of ornamentation, Levin's approach is what I expected given my experience of his improvised cadenzas in Mozart and Beethoven. You will most certainly not hear a note-for-note performance of the score - each piece has the feel of an extended improvisation. (If more pianists - and harpsichordists! - had the knowledge and technique of Levin, Jacques Loussier's Bach arrangements would be superfluous.) All of the repeats are performed in full, and each repeat is a fresh, new experience - unlike with so many other performers who have a "play it safe" approach.

I am firmly convinced that many people are put off Bach because of hearing mediocre performances. This recording convinced me even more that merely playing Bach on a harpsichord is not enough. Whatever doubts I might have had about the choice of instrument are rendered completely irrelevant by Levin's virtuosity and the sheer joy expressed in the performance.

5 out of 5 stars Robert Levin rocks Bach.......2001-06-26

I own Robert Levin's "Well-Tempered Clavier" and was supremely impressed. I go back to it often; perhaps moreso than the 4 other versions I own. I figured he couldn't go wrong with Bach, so I bought his "English Suites" and was proven right. His playing is superb and the recording is crystal clear. I highly recommend this CD.
Solid Gold Baroque
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent collection of baroque music.
 Solid Gold Baroque

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by AlbinoniAll Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by CorelliAll Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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All Works by PachelbelAll Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Telemann, Georg PhilippTelemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by VivaldiAll Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Concerto GrossiConcerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
TrumpetTrumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000023CQ
Release Date: 1993-05-10

Tracks:

  1. Trumpet Voluntary
  2. Adagio For Strings
  3. Sinfonia, Act III Solomon: Entrance Of The Queen Sheba
  4. Cantata No. 147: Jesu, Joy Of Mans Desiring
  5. Suite No.2 In B Min. For Flute & Str, Bwv 1067: Polonaise
  6. Winter, The Four Seasons: Adiago
  7. First Movement, Concerto In C For Two Mandolins, R. 532: Allegro
  8. Cannon In D
  9. First Movement, Concerto In C For Two Trumpets R. 537: Allegro
  10. Harpsichord Concerto No. 5 In F Min., BWV 1056: Largo
  11. Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
  12. Suite In A Min. For Flute & Strings: Rejouissance
  13. Cantata No. 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
  14. Concerto Grosso In G Min, Op.6 No.8, 'Christmas Concerto ': Pastorale: Largo
  15. The Water Music: Alla Hornpipe

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection of baroque music........1999-04-02

This cd is an excellent collection of baroque music. Great starter cd for those unfamiliar with classical music.
Pachelbel Greatest Hits
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • great collection
  • Pachebel in Taco Bell
  • A great assortment of classical masterpieces.
 Pachelbel Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Elegance of Pachelbel
  2. Bach: Greatest Hits
  3. Ravel: Greatest Hits
  4. Verdi: Greatest Hits
  5. Brahms: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000029SV
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

  1. Canon
  2. Choral 'Alle Menschen mussen sterben '
  3. Adagio
  4. Allegro assai
  5. Water Music: Menuet
  6. Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
  7. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  8. Autumn - The Four Seasons: Allegro
  9. The Harmonious Blacksmith
  10. Magnificat
  11. Chorale partita 'Werde Munter, Mein Gemute'
  12. Goldberg Variations: Aria da capo
  13. Trumpet Tune And Ayre
  14. Manificat-Fuge No. 5 In F Major: Manificat-Fuge No. 5 In F Major (quinti toni)
  15. 'Music For The Royal Fireworks': La Rejouissance
  16. Magnificat-Fuge No. 10: Magnificat-Fuge No. 10 (sextitoni)
  17. Guitar Concerto In D Major, RV 93: Allegro glusto
  18. Magnificat-Fuge No. 13: Magnificat-Fuge No. 13 (octavi toni)
  19. 'Te Deum': Introduction
  20. Choral Prelude ' Von Himmmel Hoch, da komm ich hier'
  21. Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
  22. Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
  23. Messiah: ' Hallelujah'

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars great collection.......2005-03-15

This is a great collection of classics that are wonderfully executed. A nice addition to any classical library.

1 out of 5 stars Pachebel in Taco Bell.......2002-03-29

You know what would be funnier than Pachabel in the woods, or Pachabel with whale noises, or Pachabel with the sounds of the rainforest in a snowstorm on a July day with a couple camels giving birth? Pachabel in Taco Bell. I would buy that CD.

I'd just like to point out the fact that Pachebel is far and away the worst, most overrated, most boring classical piece ever written. And if it wasn't before, it has been played so much, on so many occasions, with so many stupid accompaniments (yes, this includes with whale noises) that it is now. You want a beautiful piece? I give you Barbar's Adagio for Strings. I give you Meditation from Thais. I'll even give you sentimental, sappy garbage like Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet. Just please, for the sake of good taste everywhere, put down that Pachebel CD.

4 out of 5 stars A great assortment of classical masterpieces........2001-06-27

This is definitely a fabulous cd to add to one's classical collection, especially due to the fact that it contains one of the best versions of Pachelbel's well-known "Canon" in addition to some of his other works. Various historic composers of classical music are well represented here, from Bach and his Brandenburg Concerto to Antonio Vivaldi's "Autumn" from the Four Seasons. Many of the pieces are played by string instruments, such as the "Canon," which is professionally performed by a string quartet. Overall, the Baroque period of classical period tends to be the main concentration of this cd. This cd offers listeners the valuable opportunity to be introduced to classical music that has been played for centuries throughout the world.
Classics at the Movies: Drama
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Classics at the Movies: Drama

    Manufacturer: Naxos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by BarberAll Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by ChopinAll Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    All Works by SchubertAll Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SousaAll Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by WagnerAll Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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    RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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    ASIN: B00004TC42
    Release Date: 2002-01-01

    Tracks:

    1. Theme From Schindler's List - Williams
    2. Bouree - Schindler's List - Wolfgang Rubsam
    3. Barcole - Life Is Beautiful - Offenbach
    4. Romanza - The Truman Show - Idil Biret
    5. Turkish March - The Truman Show - Jeno Jando
    6. Romance D'Amour - Forbidden Games - Norbert Kraft
    7. Pilgrims' Chorus - Meeting Venus - Slovak Philharmonic Choir
    8. Adagio Un Poco - Dead Poets Society - STEFAN VLADER
    9. Allegro-Andante - Dead Poets Society - Handel
    10. Adagio For Strings - The Elephant Man - Barber
    11. Moment Musical No. 2 - Au Revoir Les Enfants - Jeno Jando
    12. Stars And Stripes Forever - Bulworth - Sousa

    Music Review:

    1. Bach: Goldberg Variations
    2. Bach: The Complete Orchestral Suites
    3. Bach: Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme/Magnificat BWV.243
    4. Barber: Vanessa [Hybrid SACD] [Hybrid SACD] [SACD]
    5. Bay Mir Bistu Sheyn: Yiddish Stage Songs, Vol. 2
    6. Beach: Piano Music, Vol. 2 - Under the Stars
    7. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas [Box set]
    8. Best Loved Christmas Carols
    9. Bitter Love [Cast Recording]
    10. Cantorial Concert Masterpieces

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