Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
On Shakespeare's sceptered isle the approach to Bach has remained fairly consistent among period specialists. Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert were among the first to digitally record the Brandenburgs on period instruments, and their 1982 readings have remained staples of the catalog. Animated, though still very English in their wholesomeness and avoidance of color, these accounts feature predictably good work from violinist Simon Standage and such stalwarts as flutist Lisa Beznosiuk and the ubiquitous Mr. Pinnock. They also boast excellent sound (the venue was Henry Wood Hall), even if the harpsichord in Concerto No. 5 is so prominent as to be dis-concerting. --Ted Libbey

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3, Music, Johann Sebastian Bach, English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Classical, Classical Music, Concerto, Concerto Grosso
The Violinist
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations
 The Violinist
Yehudi Menuhin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Bela Bartok , Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg , Johannes Brahms , Max Bruch , Arcangelo Corelli , Edward Elgar , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edouard Lalo , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Carl Nielsen , Niccolo Paganini , Camille Saint-Saens , Jean Sibelius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Michael Tippett , Henri Vieuxtemps , Antonio Vivaldi , William Walton , Alberto Lysy , Anatole Fistoulari , Antal Dorati , Anthony Bernard , Gaston Poulet , John Pitchard , Mogens Woldike , Pierre Boulez , and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000BWTKJ
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro
  2. II. Affettuoso
  3. III. Allegro
  4. I. Allegro
  5. II. Andante
  6. III. Allegro Assai
  7. I. Allegro
  8. II. Adagio
  9. III. Allegro Assai
  10. I. Vivace
  11. II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
  12. III. Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
  2. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  3. II. Andante Tranquillo
  4. III. Allegro Molto
  5. I. Andante
  6. I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
  7. II. Allegro
  8. II. Adagio

Tracks:

  1. Romance No. 1 In G Major
  2. I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
  3. II. Larghetto
  4. III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
  5. I. Allegro Moderato
  6. II. Adagio
  7. III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

  1. Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
  2. I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
  3. II. Adagio
  4. III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
  5. I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
  6. II. Andante
  7. III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro
  2. II. Andante
  3. III. Allegro Molto
  4. I. Andante Tranquillo
  5. II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
  6. III. Vivace

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
  2. II. Adagio Molto
  3. III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
  4. I. Allegro
  5. II. Andante Cantabile
  6. III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
  7. I. Allegro Maestoso
  8. II. Andante
  9. III. Presto

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  2. II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
  3. III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
  4. IV. Andante
  5. V. Rondo (Allegro)
  6. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  7. II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
  8. III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
  9. Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
  10. Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
  2. II. Adagio Espressivo
  3. III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
  4. I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
  5. II. Adagio Religioso
  6. III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
  7. IV. Finale (Allegro)
  8. I. Allegro Non Troppo
  9. II. Cadenza
  10. III. Adagio
  11. IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

  1. Serenade Melancolique
  2. I. Allegro Moderato
  3. II. Adagio Di Molto
  4. III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
  5. I. Praeludium (Largo)
  6. I. Allegro Cavalleresco
  7. II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
  8. II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro
  2. II. Largo
  3. III. Allegro
  4. I. Allegro Non Molto
  5. II. Adagio
  6. III. Presto
  7. I. Allegro
  8. II. Adagio
  9. III. Allegro
  10. I. Allegro Non Molto
  11. II. Largo
  12. III. Allegro
  13. I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
  14. II. Allegro
  15. III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
  16. Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.
J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3 [Germany]
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3 [Germany]
    Gustav Leonhardt
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4-6 [Germany]

    ASIN: B0007DB0VS
    Release Date: 2004-12-27

    Tracks:

    1. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Major, Bwv 1046
    2. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 In F Major, Bwv 1047
    3. Brandenburg Concerto No.3 In G Major, Bwv 1048
    Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3
    • Pinnock's Bach Brandeburgs will wear well for years to come.
    • One of my treasured disks
    • Flawless
    • Superduper
    		 Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3

    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. Bach: Concertos

    ASIN: B0000057CB
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

    1. Concerto No. 1 BWV 1046 In F Major: 1. ohne Satzbezeichnung
    2. Concerto No. 1 BWV 1046 In F Major: 2. Adagio
    3. Concerto No. 1 BWV 1046 In F Major: 3. Allegro
    4. Concerto No. 1 BWV 1046 In F Major: 4. Menuetto - Trio I - Polacca - Trio II
    5. Concerto No. 2 BWV 1047 In F Major: 1. ohne Satzbezeichnung
    6. Concerto No. 2 BWV 1047 In F Major: 2. Andante
    7. Concerto No. 2 BWV 1047 In F Major: 3. Allegro assai
    8. Concerto No. 3 BWV 1048 In G Major: 1. ohne Satzbezeichnung
    9. Concerto No. 3 BWV 1048 In G Major: 2. Adagio
    10. Concerto No. 3 BWV 1048 In G Major: 3. Allegro

    Amazon.com

    On Shakespeare's sceptered isle the approach to Bach has remained fairly consistent among period specialists. Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert were among the first to digitally record the Brandenburgs on period instruments, and their 1982 readings have remained staples of the catalog. Animated, though still very English in their wholesomeness and avoidance of color, these accounts feature predictably good work from violinist Simon Standage and such stalwarts as flutist Lisa Beznosiuk and the ubiquitous Mr. Pinnock. They also boast excellent sound (the venue was Henry Wood Hall), even if the harpsichord in Concerto No. 5 is so prominent as to be dis-concerting. --Ted Libbey

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3.......2006-07-08

    Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3~ Johann Sebastian Bach is a magnificent recording of the great master himself John Sebastian Bach. The Brandeburg concerto is so astounding that only a few composers (Mozart, Wagner and Beethoven) have written works that are comparable with this very fine composition. Bach never strays from form, i.e., one is never confused to as one is listening to and this what I really like. I never have to think is this an adagio I am listening to or is it an allegro or allegretto. Modern composers should take note and listen to Bach as to learn how a true master writes his compositions to understand the mark of true genius and not just art for arts sake with seems to be the unfortunate mantra for many of the modern composers. Trevor Pinnock is a very accomplished and verily I would say that Bach himself would be proud of the work that he does conducting this very fine recording. The book-let is a very work of art and the painting on the outside cover is splendid as is the very well done photo of Mr Pinncock on the back of the book-let. The little essay inside the book-let is very well written and quite informative. This is a recording that I very much do recommend and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

    5 out of 5 stars Pinnock's Bach Brandeburgs will wear well for years to come........2005-11-12

    Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert, a period instrument chamber orchestra, recorded all 6 Bach Brandenburg Concertos in the early 1980s for DG Archiv, and their recordings have been in the catalog in various CD compilations, in sets, or with other discmates, ever since. These were the early days of digital recordings, and I bought this and the other disc of Bach:Brandenburg Concertos 4,5,6, in 1987, the year after obtaining my first CD player. Pinnock's Bach is middle of the road, yet uses lean textures and period instruments to create a clear, bright texture. Allegros are spritely without being breathless, and the recorded sound is excellent. These recordings are joyful and bright, sure to alleviate the cares one faces after a busy day at the office, shop, factory, or wherever one works.

    I won't go into detail about each movement within each Concerto, but all are on a very high level of playing and sound. I would also call it "a period instrument recording for those who don't like period instruments." I give this a 100%, 5 star recommendation.

    5 out of 5 stars One of my treasured disks.......2002-07-07

    Trevor Pinnock brought his English Concert to Ann Arbor a couple of years ago and did the complete Brandenburg Concertos. It was a great night. I had this disk and the companion disk of 4,5 & 6 before the live concert, but the live performance illuminated a few things and, of course, I love live music the best.

    However, this disk has many virtues. The first concerto is a big complicated thing with all kinds of wonderful sonic combinations of instruments. This version has dignity but is also full of life. The slow movement is exquisitly performed with a wonderfully shared line between the oboe and solo violin. The Allegro is effusive and fun. The Menuetto and its trios and the Polacca is one of my favorite pieces. I might be alone in this, but I love the feel of movement and contrast.

    The famous second concerto is performed superlatively. The natural trumpet soaring and brilliant without taking away from all the other music going on. Knowing what overtone series that natural trumpet requires I am always surprised these guys don't injure themselves playing this kind of music. They do get very red in the face, I can tell you!

    I love the third concerto for strings. It is another piece that is amazing to SEE performed. Watching the lines and music develop in a small ensemble does add to the enjoyment of the music. But you get a great deal from listening for that in this great recording.

    You will be glad to have this and its companion in your collection.

    5 out of 5 stars Flawless.......2002-01-09

    An absolute must for all Bach experienced listeners. Trevor Pinnock gives an utmost performance in great respect to what Bach had intended to be perfomed. Orchestration is predictably brilliant with English Concert among World's most prodiguous Baroque orchestras. Some have complainted for a certain lack of "feeling" in interpretation, but we must always keep in mind that Bach was Baroque, never a Romantic. Chopin-like interpretations are very unfortunate in Bach's works. Nevertheless everybody seems to aggree with the rock solid, unhesitating performance and top sound quality this CD offers. When I've first heard this album tears poored out of my eyes: "This is Bach", I thought. I felt in 1720 near the Margrave of Brandenburg listening to Bach himself.

    5 out of 5 stars Superduper.......2001-12-05

    I wouldn't consider myself a connoisseur of classical music, but I found this interpretation of the Brandenburg Concertos (Brandendurgische Konzerte for the purists) to be incredible- enough to write my first review ever on Amazon!! I stumbled upon it while rifling through a pile of my parents' cassettes. I wanted to get it on CD but made the mistake of buying another interpretations which was so slow- it totally sucked the life out of it (although eerily beautiful for the adagio in Concerto #1). I finally shelled over 35$ for the expanded three CD set by Trevor Pinnock. The tempo is vigorous and the sound very crisp. Think of driving on a beautiful fall day. Its cheesy but the image is appropriate.
    Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos.1, 2 & 3
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • A very good rendition
    • Suberb Recording of Masterpiece Brandenburg Concertos
    		 Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos.1, 2 & 3

    Manufacturer: Philips
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque

    ASIN: B0000040VM
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

    1. Brandenburg Concerto #1 In F BWV 1046: Allegro
    2. Brandenburg Concerto #1 In F BWV 1046: Adagio
    3. Brandenburg Concerto #1 In F BWV 1046: Allegro
    4. Brandenburg Concerto #1 In F BWV 1046: Menuetto - Trio - Polanaise
    5. Brandenburg Concerto #2 In F BWV 1047: Allegro
    6. Brandenburg Concerto #2 In F BWV 1047: Andante
    7. Brandenburg Concerto #2 In F BWV 1047: Allegro Assai
    8. Brandenburg Concerto #3 In G BWV 1048: Allegro Moderato
    9. Brandenburg Concerto #3 In G BWV 1048: Adagio (Kadenz)
    10. Brandenburg Concerto #3 In G BWV 1048: Allegro

    Amazon.com

    Sir Neville Marriner's account of Bach's first three Brandenburg Concertos--a studio recording from 1980--is surprisingly sturdy. It holds up well against considerable competition, and serves as a fine example of modern instrument interpretation and style. Articulation is remarkably clean--a testimony to the exceptional skill of the Academy's musicians--tempos are bright, there's abundant energy, and nothing is overdone. This is a good first choice, especially if you prefer modern strings and winds. --David Vernier

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars A very good rendition.......2004-04-19

    I lost my previous version of the Brandenburg Concertos, and couldn't remember who did them, so thinking Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a safe choice (I almost always like how they perform anything), I bought this one. It's typical Marriner, orchestrated and performed as it should be. It just doesn't seem quite as exciting as I remembered my previous version was - but maybe that's just a trick of memory. I'm happy with it.

    5 out of 5 stars Suberb Recording of Masterpiece Brandenburg Concertos.......2004-01-24

    This is an excellent recording of the first three Brandenburg Concertos. The recording of concerto #3 is just amazing and one of the best recordings I have ever heard of any piece.

    My experience is that Sir Neville Marriner is almost always a safe choice. His career is most impressive. This is a classic recording.
    Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-4
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-4

      Manufacturer: Delta
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      ASIN: B000001VRY
      Release Date: 1990-08-15

      Tracks:

      1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: (Allegro)
      2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Adagio
      3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Allegro
      4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Menuetto
      5. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: (Allegro - Adagio)
      6. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: Allegro
      7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: (Allegro)
      8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Andante
      9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Allegro assai
      10. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Allegro
      11. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Andante
      12. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Presto
      Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 3
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Period instruments make this unique
      		 Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1, 2 & 3

      Manufacturer: Telarc
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      1. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4, 5 & 6
      2. The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection : The 350 Essential Works

      ASIN: B000003D07
      Release Date: 1994-08-23

      Tracks:

      1. I. (Allegro)
      2. II. Adagio
      3. III. Allegro
      4. IV. Menuetto; Trio; Polonaise; Trio
      5. I. (Allegro)
      6. II. Andante
      7. III. Allegro Assai
      8. (Allegro)
      9. II. Adagio
      10. III. Allegro

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Period instruments make this unique.......2002-12-28

      This first volume of a two volume set of Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos" is well worth looking for and listening to. The Boston Baroque Orchestra, under the baton of Martin Pearlman, make this recording one of the better recordings of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos you will find.

      The liner notes, written by the conductor, make this album well worth reading as well as listening to. The liner notes include German and French versions of the conductor's additional information.

      The period instruments give this album a feel of something like you might have heard if you had attended a concert given by the composer. The very unusual orchestration, sometimes difficult for orchestras to capture, that is called for by Bach in the Brandenburg Concertos are given a lush and faithful treatment by the orchestra and the conductor.

      This album, and its complement, the second CD with the other three concertos, makes for an ideal addition to a library of classical music. If you own other versions of the Brandenburg Concertos, you will find this album a little different from what you have heard before due to its use of period instruments.
      Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-4
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • My Favorite Brandenburg recordings
      • It's worth it!
      • Beautiful music for the soul
      		 Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-4

      Manufacturer: EMI Classics
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      1. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 5 & 6; Orchestral Suite No. 2

      ASIN: B00000IOM5
      Release Date: 1999-04-20

      Tracks:

      1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Allegro
      2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Adagio
      3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Allegro
      4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F, BWV 1046: Menuetto - Trio I - Menuetto - Polacca - Menuetto - Trio II - Menuetto
      5. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Allegro
      6. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Andante
      7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV 1047: Allegro assai
      8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: Allegro
      9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: Adagio
      10. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV 1048: Allegro
      11. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Allegro
      12. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Andante
      13. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, BWV 1049: Presto

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars My Favorite Brandenburg recordings.......2000-12-23

      Schwarz conducts with a flair, and the LA Chamber Orchesra play this music so well that you end up asking yourself why this brilliant ensemble is not better known. Wow, can't believe this recording is selling at bargain price while so many lesser recordings are selling at full price. The sound is excellent. It came out in 1980 and sounds every bit as good as a DDD recording. The soloists are all fabulous, and the orchestra as a whole is appropriately chamber-sized and energetic. The modern trumpet sounds a lot better than baroque trumpets. The tracking is done the same way as all of my other Brandenburg recordings, with only one movement per track. Perfect if you want modern instruments.

      5 out of 5 stars It's worth it!.......2000-01-11

      Are you looking for a fine rendition of the Brandenburg Concertos on modern instruments? And are you wondering if there are any budget CDs that are worth getting? Then I recomend this one!

      While I was comparing different versions of these Brandenburg Concertos, I eventually decided on Schwarz and the LA Chamber Orchestra. One thing I find kind of strange is the way how the tracking is on the CD. Some tracks have more than one movement. For example, the 3rd Concerto is one whole track! So be sure you look at the track listing if you are going to listen to one of the concertos. That's a very minor drawback. Another minor drawback is that this could've been made as a 2CD set so you could have a complete set. So why didn't EMI/Seraphim bother doing it that way? But hey! The performance of these great works makes this version a must get for a cheap price. And it doesn't matter if the recording is ADD, it sounds great!

      5 out of 5 stars Beautiful music for the soul.......1999-06-16

      This music is a delight to the soul, even if listening to it reminds you of something that breaks your heart.
      Bach: The Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3; Orchestral Suite No. 1
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Casals and his sense of Bach
      • The Pinnacle
      • Nice
      • THE VIRILE, RICH-BLOODED BACH!
      • Different, and in places sublime
      		 Bach: The Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3; Orchestral Suite No. 1

      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      Similar Items:
      1. Bach: Orchestral Suites 2 & 3, Goldberg Canons
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      ASIN: B00000275P
      Release Date: 1990-10-10

      Tracks:

      1. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Major,BWV 1046: 1. (Allegro)
      2. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Major,BWV 1046: II. Adagio - III. Allegro
      3. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Major,BWV 1046: IV. Menutto -Trio I - Polacca - Trio II
      4. Brandenburg Contero No.2 In F Major, BWV 1047: I. (Allegro)
      5. Brandenburg Contero No.2 In F Major, BWV 1047: II. Andante
      6. Brandenburg Contero No.2 In F Major, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai
      7. Brandenburg Concerto No.3 In G Major, BWV 1048: I. (Allegro)
      8. Brandenburg Concerto No.3 In G Major, BWV 1048: 1a. Adagio
      9. Brandenburg Concerto No.3 In G Major, BWV 1048: II. Allegro
      10. Orchestral Suite No.1 In C Major, BWV 1066: I. Ouverture
      11. Orchestral Suite No.1 In C Major, BWV 1066: II. Courante
      12. Orchestral Suite No.1 In C Major, BWV 1066: III. Gavotte I - Gavotte II
      13. Orchestral Suite No.1 In C Major, BWV 1066: IV. Forlane
      14. Orchestral Suite No.1 In C Major, BWV 1066: V. Menuett I - Menuett II
      15. Orchestral Suite No.1 In C Major, BWV 1066: V. Bourree I - Bourree II
      16. Orchestral Suite No.1 In C Major, BWV 1066: VII. Passepied I - Passepied II

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Casals and his sense of Bach.......2007-01-06

      Having spent some time as a musical host on FM radio, I've been able to audition many of the Brandenburgs. Casals brings to them a feeling that cannot be described, except that it's magnificent, much like that sense that Glenn Gould imparts to his translations.

      5 out of 5 stars The Pinnacle.......2006-10-11

      I think this is the music they play in heaven. Possibly my favorite music on earth, and I love jazz and rock too. I have heard many other versions of the Brandenburgs, and they all sound quaint and much too fast compared to this. You MUST get the Brandenburgs 4-6 too, so you can hear Rudolph Serkin play the cadenza in Number Five on piano. Yes, it's not authentic, but it is heart-stoppingly, transcendentally beautiful. I love the harpsichord, but I will eat my hat if anyone can get the tenderness and joy out a harpsichord that Serkin gets in this performance. INDISPENSABLE!

      4 out of 5 stars Nice .......2006-02-19

      When I first thought I might be interested in classical music, I asked a conservatory teacher to recommend a starting point. He pointed to two recordings of the Brandenburgs, both on period instruments. This was a perfect recommendation to me, as I am often most appreciative of tradition and history. I bought them both, took them in, so they became intimately known to me. Then one day on a whim, I picked this version up, and I thought geez! piano instead of harpsichord? flute instead of recorder? Shouldn't someone be policing these practices? How audacious! Rock n' Roll, baby!

      5 out of 5 stars THE VIRILE, RICH-BLOODED BACH!.......2005-01-31


      J. Sebastian Bach was a very virile, full-blooded man who worked all his life, had two wives, and sired about 20 children. Casals' realizations of Bach's music illustrate Bach's virility and vivacity. Casals conducts the Bach Concerti & Suites as he [Casals] plays the Bach Sonatas: with vim, vigor, and vitality; with rhythm, color, and accent; with dash, esprit, and intellect. In short, these are the very best realizations of the Brandenburgs available--or will ever again be available.

      By the way, in these sessions and at rehearsals, Casals conducted sitting down with his cello on which he illustrated the tempi, accents and inflections he wanted for the orchestra, and used his cello bow as a baton. This is as real as it gets!

      The soloists are wonderful. The recorded sound is bright and clear. The price is incredibly cheap. What are you waiting for?

      4 out of 5 stars Different, and in places sublime.......2002-03-23

      I tend to like a more tightly structured, geometric approach to this music, but this recording has its own beauty -- it's definitely of a different era. Modern instruments are just fine, but I do find myself wishing for a recorder instead of a flute in #4 -- to me a flute is just wrong for this music. Otherwise 5 stars -- some passages move me very deeply.
      Bach: Brandenburg Concertos, Vol. 1: Nos. 1-3
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Praise to Leonhardt and SEON
      • Maybe the best complete Brandenburgs of all time
      • I disagree!
      • if you want period instruments get Trevor Pinnock's CD
      		 Bach: Brandenburg Concertos, Vol. 1: Nos. 1-3

      Manufacturer: Sony
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      1. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos, Vol. 2: Nos. 4-6

      ASIN: B00000K2V2
      Release Date: 1999-09-03

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Praise to Leonhardt and SEON.......2006-08-09

      I totally agree with the review below. Gustav Leonhardt's recording of the Brandenburgs is one of the best. Everyone who loves baroque and earlier music performed on period instruments should try to get all of the SEON recordings from the 1970s that have been transfered to CD.

      5 out of 5 stars Maybe the best complete Brandenburgs of all time.......2002-04-15

      This was the first recording (1977) of the Brandenburgs Concertos which proved what marvellous insights the use of contemporary instruments (with the music, that is) could lend to the musical result (Harnoncourt's first set from 1963 came too early in their discography for the techniques of playing old instruments to have been fully mastered in these most demanding works). In the present set, well-judged tempi and an unerring sense of rhythm are juxtaposed in splendid proportion (most tempos here are moderate compared to some of the performances by next generation performers, the finale to BWV 1048 being an exception). Elsewhere (among these reviews) I read with astonishment the opinion that Leonhardt is "not a good conductor". As one who has experienced Mr. Leonhardt's performances live on many occasions, I can attest to his extraordinary level of achievement as musical director of many ensembles. Leonhardt is, simply, one of the greatest musicians of our time, and, as conductor, whatever he may lack in conventional "stick-technique", he more than makes up for in his extraordinarily authoritative, knowledgable, yet passionate musicianship (the same goes with Frans Bruggen - his conducting looks strange, but any of the musicians in his orchestra - and I know many of them personally - will confirm his mastery, and the enormous debt which all of us owe to him). Anyone with ears to hear will recognize the profound musical truths unlocked by these legendary performances. I also noticed, elsewhere, Leonhardt compared unfavourably with Trevor Pinnock. This is ironic, since Mr. Pinnock would be the first to acknowledge his own profound debt to Leonhardt. Actually, given the range of Leonhardt's achievements, and his unique role in re-discovering many facets of "authentic" performance that are now taken for granted, and copied by almost everyone (including Mr. Pinnock, in fact), what is astonishing to me is how timeless and enduring Leonhardt's musicianship has proved, and how little of substance has been added to what he and his generation discovered. Actually, all of the re-issues in the SEON series (here offered by Sony at a ridiculously low price) are collector's items, important for any one who wants to experience the excitement of discovering early music on period instruments for the first time. Do yourself a favour and acquire this one while you can. Let's not overlook the contributions of all the musicans on this release: Lucy van Dael, Frans Brueggen, Anner Bylsma, Wieland and Sigiswald Kuijken, Paul Dombrecht, Kees Boeke, Bob van Asperen. Many of these luminaries are Leonhardt's friends and students, themselves testimonies to Leonhardt's profound contribution to musical performance in our time. One of great bargains.

      5 out of 5 stars I disagree!.......2001-03-26

      I disagree completely with the previous reviewer. He/she does not seem to enjoy good music... Gustav Leonhardt and the Kuijkens are among the best players in period instruments! Their recording of Bach's Brandemburg is wonderful. Don't go for that unfair review...

      1 out of 5 stars if you want period instruments get Trevor Pinnock's CD.......2000-11-23

      These were some of the earliest authentic instrument performances, back when musicians didn't have a good grasp of period instruments and good soloists interested in period practice were almost non-existent. Now we have some outstanding musicians making period instrument recordings with experience playing Baroque instruments. So for a good period instrument recording, I would recommend Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert Orchestra or other good period ensembles. Don't settle for Gustav Leonhardt. He was a pioneer, but he wasn't a good conductor. And the same for the orchestra in this recording.
      Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-6
      Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
      • Inconsistent
      • Skip this one
      • A triumphant passionate recording
      • IT'S A MESS
      • Warm-hearted renditions
      		 Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-6

      Manufacturer: Angel Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      1. Panorama: George Gershwin
      2. Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet, 1910) / Alexander Scriabin: Prometheus - The Poem of Fire - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra, St. Petersburg / Alexander Toradze
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      ASIN: B000000UUW
      Release Date: 1995-06-20

      Tracks:

      1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F, BWV.1046: Allegro
      2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F, BWV.1046: Adagio
      3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F, BWV.1046: Allegro
      4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F, BWV.1046: Menuett I - Trio I - Menuett II - Polonaise - Menuett III - Trio II - Menuett IV
      5. Brandonburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV.1047: Allegro
      6. Brandonburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV.1047: Andante
      7. Brandonburg Concerto No. 2 In F, BWV.1047: Allegro assai
      8. Brandonburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV.1048: Allegro
      9. Brandonburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV.1048: Adagio
      10. Brandonburg Concerto No. 3 In G, BWV.1048: Allegro

      Tracks:

      1. Concerto No. 4 In G Major, BWV.1049: Allegro
      2. Concerto No. 4 In G Major, BWV.1049: Andante
      3. Concerto No. 4 In G Major, BWV.1049: Presto
      4. Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BWV.1050: Allegro
      5. Concerto No. 5 In D Major: Affettuoso
      6. Concerto No. 5 In D Major: Allegro
      7. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 in B flat . BWV: Allegro
      8. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 in B flat . BWV: Adagio ma non tanto
      9. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 in B flat . BWV: Allegro

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars Inconsistent.......2006-03-16

      Since this recording is only available on the Amazon Marketplace or possibly Ebay, I would not make the effort to purchase it. The performances are very uneven. Nos. 1 and 5 are really dull and the playing is sloppy. The rest are fine and there is real passion in 6 but look elsewhere for a complete set.

      2 out of 5 stars Skip this one.......2002-08-16

      There must be at least 15-20 complete versions of the Brandenburgs currently available and many are far better than this.
      The sound on this 1959 recording is alternately muddy and shrill,and the playing seems half-hearted and flaccid.Even at a low price this set is no bargain.
      There are a slew of fine Brandenburg recordings including the Boston Baroque,Tafelmusik(period instrument),Il Giardino Armonico and Harnoncourt and Leonhardt's period performances.Two of the best bargains are I Musici on a Philips 2 for 1 set and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment on the excellent Virgin Veritas series.

      4 out of 5 stars A triumphant passionate recording.......2001-12-30

      Whatever this 1959 recording is lacking by today's technical standards, it makes up for in sheer passion. Menuhin was an artist capable of bringing his audiences to exuberant joy or inexplicable weeping. This delightful recording is a real bargain at this price!

      2 out of 5 stars IT'S A MESS.......2000-09-15

      The performace seemed sloppy overall. Solos are best described as anemic and tentative. Even the low price doesn't redeem this recording.

      4 out of 5 stars Warm-hearted renditions.......2000-02-01

      For fans of Menhuin, this recording is a must. While there are many delightful recordings of the Brandenburgs, few come as inexpensively as this one (the set by Schwarz on this label is less satisfying), and as satisfying.

      The sound is a little dry, which can seem to over-emphasize slight blemishes in ensemble. However, a small price to pay for joyful performances, with Menhuin's elegant (if sometimes less than perfect) playing. I especially enjoy numbers 1, 2, and 6 on these discs. If you are unfamiliar with these works, these discs make a fine introduction.

      Music Review:

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