Bach: The Art of Fugue / Musical Offering

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
There are many apocryphal stories in the classical-music world, but the one in which Frederick the Great challenged Bach to improvise a six-part fugue on a theme of the king's own invention is true, and The Musical Offering was, after a period of further reflection, the result. As with all the works of Bach's later years, the work is both great art and a "teaching piece," which shows everything that he thought could be done with the king's theme. The Trio Sonata based on the theme is the only major piece of chamber music from Bach's last decades in Leipzig, and that makes the work and essential cornerstone of any Bach collection. This performance, led by Neville Marriner, is both polished and lively, and very well recorded. At a "twofer" price, coupled with The Art of Fugue, it's the preferred version of the work on modern instruments. --David Hurwitz

Bach: The Art of Fugue / Musical Offering, Music, Cecil James, Denis Vigay, Kenneth Heath, Johann Sebastian Bach, Neville Marriner, Celia Nicklin, William Bennett, Christopher Hogwood, Nicholas Kraemer, Sir Andrew Davis, Neil Black, Tess Miller, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Stephen Shingles, Carmel Caine, Iona Brown, John Gray, Malcolm Latchem, Roger Garland, Chamber, Chamber Music, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music, Keyboard
Bach: The Art of Fugue;  Musical Offering
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Step Into The World Of Bach
  • Great recordings
  • Magisterial and Ethereal
  • Because of reviews
  • The Crown of Western Music
Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment (P.S.)
  2. Bach: Great Organ Works
  3. Bach: The Art of Fugue
  4. Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier
  5. A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981)

ASIN: B000050GK0
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

  1. Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus I
  2. Contrapunctus II
  3. Contrapunctus III
  4. Contrapunctus IV
  5. Contrapunctus V
  6. Contrapunctus VI
  7. Contrapunctus VII
  8. Contrapunctus VIII
  9. Contrapunctus IX
  10. Contrapunctus X
  11. Contrapunctus XI
  12. Canon alla octava
  13. Canon alla duodecima
  14. Canon alla decima
  15. Canon per augmentationem in contrario moto
  16. Contrapunctus XII (rectus)
  17. Contrapunctus XII (inversus)
  18. Fuga a 2 Clavicemabli (rectus)
  19. Fuga a 2 Clavicemabli (inversus)

Tracks:

  1. Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII (rectus)
  2. Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus XII (inversus)
  3. Die Kunst der Fuge, BWV 1080: Fuga a 4 soggetti
  4. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Ricercar a 3
  5. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuus a 2
  6. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 violini in unisono
  7. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per motum contrarium
  8. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per augmentationem, contrario motu
  9. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2
  10. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2
  11. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 2 per tonos
  12. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuus contrario motu
  13. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon a 4
  14. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Fuga canonica
  15. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: I - Largo
  16. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: II - Allegro
  17. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: III - Andante
  18. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Sonata a 3: IV - Allegro
  19. Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Ricercar a 6

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Step Into The World Of Bach.......2007-06-09

I have nothing but good things to say about this double album. These extremely well-balanced compositions are sure to enthrall listeners with the most discerning taste. The theme here is point and counterpoint, done to perfection. These pieces are like complex equations, only done with music instead of numbers. Bach had an amazing musical mind, and this music showcases that. There is so much to the music; it is quite rich and there is so much going on here that you may not process it all the first time. If you like classical music and Bach's style, this is essential for your collection.

5 out of 5 stars Great recordings.......2007-05-20

After I read Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment (P.S.), I had to have "Musical Offering" and "The Art of Fugue," and bought this version based on recommendations. The performance by an orchestra, rather than a single instrument such as a piano or harpsichord, seems to bring out the different voices. I listen to it over and over, and never tire of it.

5 out of 5 stars Magisterial and Ethereal.......2006-11-28

As a college student, this 2-cd set has proven itself to be one of the most versatile and beautiful tools with which I can create an atmosphere amenable to studtying and doing homework. But it is not merely a background music; to be fully appreciated, it needs to be listened to while gently resting one's eyes (take care not to fall asleep -- a precaution against such is to have the music up rather high, although not painfully so).

I've listened to the whole set at least once a week since I've come to Stony Brook; its staying power, its ability to never seem to get trite or "used to" is so powerful that it really inspires. Only God (or the Divine Impetus, or whatever one wants to term the higher order), working through Bach, could have produced such an entrancing set of music.

5 out of 5 stars Because of reviews.......2006-08-06

I bought this version because of the other reviews and I think it was a wise choice! The tempo's are perfect and the music is inspirational!

5 out of 5 stars The Crown of Western Music.......2005-11-28

This recording of The Art of Fugue is my all-around favorite.

The premier piece of the set is the final (unfinished) fugue. I place this as the crown of all western music. Three parts of the fugue, out of a theorized four, were completed - but he didn't live to finish it. Some feel that he let it end there on purpose, for some reason. Just before he died, instead of finishing the final fugue, he composed a chorale. If the final fugue represents a journey into the after-life, then this chorale could be thought of as music from the other side, and as the only piece worthy of being played after the final fugue. That chorale is sometimes called "Vor Deinen Thron Tret Ich Hiermit", and is also known as "Wenn wir in Hochsten Noten Sein".

The Art of Fugue was written without scoring - no particular instruments were assigned - so one can find recordings done on the piano (Charles Rosen), harpsichord (Gustav Leonhardt - on vinyl only, I think), chamber orchestra, string orchestra, brass ensemble, organ, etc. My favorite recording of the final fugue is by Arthur Winograd (MGM) on vinyl, but that recording is very scarce.

Other decent recordings that I've heard so far on CD:
The Emerson String Quartet; Deutsche Grammophon B0000908-02 - their versions of the early fugues are quite good.
The Canadian Brass; Sony Essential Classics SBK 89731.
The Keller Quartet (ECM 1652) - some parts work well, others not as well.
Neville Marriner (Phillips 442-556-2) - a bit bland, but good.

Lukas Foss and the Sheffield Ensemble - Quite lively, but very unusual in its orchestration and in its freedom with the notes. Three or four of the pieces are as good as any version I've heard.
-------
One day, quite a while ago, I was walking through the quad of a university and heard one of the fugues being played inside a classroom. I looked in through the window and saw a room full of accordions playing it! True story!
Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]
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  • Mill. Classical review
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  • A very helpful collection
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Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

  1. Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
  2. Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
  3. Violin Concerto In E First Movement
  4. Prelude In C minor
  5. Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
  6. Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
  7. Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
  8. Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
  9. Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
  10. Easter Oratorio - Overture
  11. Minuet In D minor
  12. Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
  13. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
  14. Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
  15. Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
  16. Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
  17. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
  18. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
  19. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
  20. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
  21. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
  22. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
  23. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
  24. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
  25. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
  26. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
  27. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
  28. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
  29. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
  30. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
  31. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
  32. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
  33. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
  34. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
  35. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
  36. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
  37. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
  38. Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
  39. Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
  40. Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
  41. Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
  42. Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
  43. Water Music - Air
  44. Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
  45. Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
  46. Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
  47. The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
  48. Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
  49. Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
  50. Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
  51. Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
  52. Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
  53. Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
  54. Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
  55. Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
  56. Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
  57. Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
  58. Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
  59. String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
  60. Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
  61. Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
  62. Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
  63. String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
  64. Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
  65. Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
  66. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
  67. Piano Concerto in A - second movement
  68. Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
  69. Serenade - Minuet
  70. Violin Concerto - first movement
  71. Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
  72. Clarinet Concerto - second movement
  73. Turkish March
  74. Divertimento - Minuet
  75. Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
  76. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
  77. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
  78. Overture
  79. O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
  80. Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
  81. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
  82. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
  83. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
  84. Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
  85. Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
  86. German Dance No. 1 In C
  87. Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
  88. Heidenroslein
  89. Ave Maria
  90. Der Lindenbaum
  91. Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
  92. Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
  93. Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
  94. German Dance No. 2 In G
  95. Piano Sonata In B-Flat
  96. Nachtgesang Im Walde
  97. Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
  98. German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
  99. Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
  100. Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
  101. Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
  102. Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
  103. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
  104. Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
  105. Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
  106. Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
  107. Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
  108. Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
  109. Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
  110. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
  111. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
  112. Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
  113. Violin Concerto - second movement
  114. The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
  115. Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
  116. Swan Lake - Waltz
  117. Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
  118. The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
  119. Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
  120. Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
  121. Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
  122. Hungarian Dance No.5
  123. Lullaby
  124. Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
  125. Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
  126. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
  127. Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
  128. Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
  129. String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
  130. Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
  131. Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
  132. Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
  133. German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
  134. Die Fledermaus - Overture
  135. Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
  136. Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
  137. Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
  138. AnnenPolka, Op. 117
  139. Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
  140. Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
  141. Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
  142. On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
  143. Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
  144. Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
  145. Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
  146. Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
  147. The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
  148. The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
  149. Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
  150. Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
  151. Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
  152. Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
  153. Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
  154. Don Juan, Op. 20
  155. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
  156. Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
  157. Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
  158. Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
  159. Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
  160. Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
  161. Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
  162. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
  163. Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
  164. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
  165. Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
  166. Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
  167. Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
  168. Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
  169. Angelus
  170. Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
  171. Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
  172. Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
  173. Les Préludes
  174. Boléro
  175. Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
  176. Rhapsodie Espagnole
  177. Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
  178. Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
  179. Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
  180. La Valse
  181. Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
  182. Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
  183. Humoresque, Op. 101
  184. Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
  185. Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
  186. Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
  187. Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
  188. Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
  189. Carneval Overture, Op. 92
  190. Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
  191. Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
  192. Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
  193. Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
  194. Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
  195. String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
  196. Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
  197. Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
  198. Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
  199. Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
  200. String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
  201. Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
  202. Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
  203. Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
  204. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
  205. Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
  206. Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
  207. Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
  208. Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
  209. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
  210. Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
  211. The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
  212. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
  213. Nordic Melody Op. 63
  214. Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
  215. Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
  216. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
  217. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
  218. Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
  219. Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
  220. Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
  221. Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
  222. Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
  223. Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
  224. Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
  225. Frühlingsgruss
  226. Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
  227. Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
  228. Manfred Overture, Op. 115
  229. Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
  230. Die Rose stand im Tau
  231. Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
  232. Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
  233. Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
  234. Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

4 out of 5 stars classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

4 out of 5 stars Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

5 out of 5 stars A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.
Bach: Die Kunst der Fugue
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Extraordinary and beautiful rendering of Bach's great fugal opus
  • Excellent Exposition of the art of the fugue
  • A great master plays one of the monuments of the Baroque
  • Absolutely stunning
  • Best of the best
Bach: Die Kunst der Fugue

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Bach: Goldberg Variations
  2. Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering
  3. Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87
  4. Art of the Fugue - 70th Anniversary Edition
  5. Bach: Well-Tempered Clavier

ASIN: B000002ZS9
Release Date: 1993-11-23

Tracks:

  1. A Musical Offering, BWV1079: Ricercare a 3
  2. A Musical Offering, BWV1079: Ricercare a 6
  3. Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 1 In E Minor
  4. Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 2 In F Major
  5. Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 3 In G Major
  6. Four Duettos, BWV802 - 805: Duet No 4 In A Minor
  7. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 1
  8. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 2
  9. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 3
  10. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 4
  11. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Canon in Hypodiapason (Canon alla Ottava)
  12. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 5
  13. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 6 (per Diminutionem) in Stylo Francese
  14. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Contrapunctus 7 per Augmentationem et Diminutionem
  15. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV1080: Canon alla Duodecima in Contrapunto alla Quinta

Tracks:

  1. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 8
  2. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 9 alla Duodecima
  3. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 10 alla Decima
  4. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 11
  5. The Art Of The Fugue: Canon (in Hypodiatessaron) per Augmentationem in Contrario Motu
  6. The Art Of The Fugue: Canon alla Decima (Contrapunto alla Terza)
  7. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 13 (Rectus)
  8. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 13 (Inversus)
  9. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 12 (Rectus)
  10. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 12 (Inversus)
  11. The Art Of The Fugue: Contrapunctus 14

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Extraordinary and beautiful rendering of Bach's great fugal opus.......2007-07-11

As an obssesed fan of Glenn Gould, I would not have found my way to buying this album had I not realized that Gould had not recorded it on piano but only did some extracts on an organ, of all things. I have played through these fuges before and found them uninterested compared to the lovely themes that permeate the entire Well Tempered Clavier books 1 and 2. I read a few reviews of people who had bought this cd and on the strength of their passionate and positive appraisal, I bought it. Good that I did.

Her playing is first class, impeccable with a sure sense of dynamic, rythmic and colorful phrasing that entertain and enchant from the beginning to the end. This is a woman who had lived with these pieces, played them and contemplated their meaning. I have always said that a mere technician can reproduce sounds on a piano, often in a very accurate way but if there is no soul, if there is no artistic merit in the interpretation, then it is like listening to a robot playing the instrument. A gifted artist rises to the occassion and is motivated and inspired by the material at hand. The results here are worth a lifetime of repeated listening. If my memory is correct, there are so little, if any, indications in Bach's edition of how fast or loud or soft to play these pieces. That ommission allows an opportunity for the great artist to interpret with creativity. We are not disappointed here. The intuition of this artist led her to imbue this work with such beauty, allowing the work to reveal it's own inner realities on sublime levels. This is supposed to be Bach's crowning achievement and in most ways closes the Baroque era. A very rich accomplishment both for Bach, who died writing the last notes and for Tatiana Nikolayeva a recording that places her at the highest levels of musical accomplishments.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Exposition of the art of the fugue.......2007-07-10

The clarity of the notes and the even balance of the melody and harmony made this familiar piece of music sound new and exciting

5 out of 5 stars A great master plays one of the monuments of the Baroque.......2006-04-21

When I first saw this recordings in a music store I never realized what was waiting for me inside the jewel case. Two or three years had to go before I got one. Since then this is one of my favourites. Nikolayeva was a master in all the meaning of the word and although I am a purist (would have liked a Harpsichord instead of a Piano) her interpretation is magnificent, moving and executed with the precision required for a Brain surgery. Do not miss this set, it is without a question one of the very best AoF ever recorded. You will only need to hear how this great Russian Master played the first three notes of the Ricercare a 3, BWV1079, to know what I mean.

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely stunning.......2005-11-29

This is far and out the greatest interpretation ever (on piano) of this monumental work - absolutely perfect, under any aspect. If you are a classical music fan it would be a crime to give it a miss.

5 out of 5 stars Best of the best.......2005-05-08

I own about a dozen performances of The Art of Fugue (ranging from solo piano and organ over string quartet to Hermann Scherchen's orchestral arrangement). This is hands down my favorite (Scherchen's a distant second). Glenn Gould's might have been equally good if he had ever recorded the whole set for piano. (He recorded a partial set for organ, and piano recordings of a few individual fugues were released posthumously.)
While Bach never specified instruments for TAoF, the voice leading is too keyboard-friendly to be coincidental. It is not a "flashy" work but --- despite that --- extremely demanding on a keyboard player in that exceptional articulation skills are required to clearly bring out the four voices.
The purist may be annoyed at the fact that a piano (rather than a harpsichord) is used at all, and that (obviously) modern A=440 tuning is used. If you are one of these, you may wish to consider Davitt Moroney's harpsichord recording instead.
Unlike Moroney and organist Helmut Walcha, Ms. Nikolayeva does not attempt to "complete" the final unfinished fugue: her playing tapers off on the last notes in the manuscript.
The playing is not only crisp and technically perfect but beautiful at all times, and the recording very clean.
Bonuses are the four Duets (which work surprisingly well on the piano) and the two Ricercars from The Musical Offering. (The Ricercar a 3, incredibly, is actually rooted in an improvisation session by Bach on an early Silbermann fortepiano at the palace of Frederick II in Potsdam.)
Bach: The Art of Fugue / Musical Offering
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • repetition, glorious repetition
  • Very good, but why not go for the best instead?
  • A reasonable, but not outstanding, 2 CD set of Bach
  • A rich variety of instrumentation
  • LIKE A TEXTBOOK --VERY INFORMED-NOT BAD, BUT A LITTLE DRY
Bach: The Art of Fugue / Musical Offering

Manufacturer: Philips
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
ImprovisationImprovisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Marriner, Sir NevilleMarriner, Sir Neville | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering
  2. Beethoven: Complete Concertos Vol. 2
  3. Bach: Complete Partitas
  4. Mozart: Don Giovanni / Maazel (1979 soundtrack) [RMST]
  5. Bach: Goldberg Variations

ASIN: B0000041A6
Release Date: 1994-10-17

Tracks:

  1. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 1
  2. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 2
  3. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 3
  4. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 4
  5. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Canon alla Ottava
  6. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 5
  7. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 6, a 4, im Stile francese
  8. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Canon alla Decima, Contrapuncto alla Terza
  9. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 7, a 4, per Augmentationem et Diminutionem
  10. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 8, a 3
  11. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Canon alla Duodecima in Contrapuncto alla Quinta
  12. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 9, a 4, alla Duodecima
  13. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 10, a 4, alla Decima
  14. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Canon per Augmentationem in contrario motu
  15. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 11, a 4
  16. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 13, a 3 (rectus)
  17. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 12, a 4 (rectus)
  18. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Fuga a 2 Clav.

Tracks:

  1. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 13, a 3 (inversus)
  2. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus 12, a 4 (inversus)
  3. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Alio modo Fuga a 2 Clav.
  4. The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080: Fuga a 3 Soggetti (unfinished)
  5. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Ricercar 1 (a 3)
  6. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuus super Thema Regium
  7. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canones diversi super Thema Regium: Canon 1 a 2 (Canon cancricans)
  8. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canones diversi super Thema Regium: Canon 2 a 2 violini in unisono
  9. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canones diversi super Thema Regium: Canon 3 a 2 per motum contrarium
  10. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canones diversi super Thema Regium: Canon 5 a 2 (Canon circularis per tonos)
  11. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Sonata For Flute, Violin And Continuo: Largo
  12. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Sonata For Flute, Violin And Continuo: Allegro moderato
  13. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Sonata For Flute, Violin And Continuo: Andante larghetto
  14. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Sonata For Flute, Violin And Continuo: Allegro
  15. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Sonata For Flute, Violin And Continuo: Canon a 2 quaerendo invenietis (Canon contrarium stricte reversum)
  16. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Sonata For Flute, Violin And Continuo: Canon a 4
  17. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Sonata For Flute, Violin And Continuo: Canon perpetuus
  18. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canones diversi super Thema Regium: Canon 4 a 2 per augmentationem, contrario motu
  19. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canones diversi super Thema Regium: Fuga canonica in epidiapente
  20. Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Canones diversi super Thema Regium: Ricercar 2 a 6

Amazon.com essential recording

There are many apocryphal stories in the classical-music world, but the one in which Frederick the Great challenged Bach to improvise a six-part fugue on a theme of the king's own invention is true, and The Musical Offering was, after a period of further reflection, the result. As with all the works of Bach's later years, the work is both great art and a "teaching piece," which shows everything that he thought could be done with the king's theme. The Trio Sonata based on the theme is the only major piece of chamber music from Bach's last decades in Leipzig, and that makes the work and essential cornerstone of any Bach collection. This performance, led by Neville Marriner, is both polished and lively, and very well recorded. At a "twofer" price, coupled with The Art of Fugue, it's the preferred version of the work on modern instruments. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars repetition, glorious repetition.......2006-12-31

An acquaintance of mine once overheard the sound of Bach emanating from my computer, grimaced slightly, and said 'it's repetition'.

Precisely. Though she thought she was making a criticism.

J.S. Bach explored creation via the medium of music. In overturning and resettling the soil given to him by musical convention and his own fecund mind, he understood himself to be exploring the possibilities of God's good earth.

He produced no more repetitious works than the Art of Fugue and Musical Offering. But ah, the glory!

Because Bach was not specific about the instrumentation he desired for one or both of these works, Sir Neville Mariner and the Academy of St-Martin-in-the-Field, those always trustworthy custodians of all things baroque, give us this fine recording of a number of combinations of strings as well as of organ and harpsichord.

These are not pieces for random listening. One needs to sit and soak in the seemingly endless creative moves that Bach could make with just a few themes. It is endlessly repetitious and ceaselessly fascinating, perhaps a bit like love itself. Indeed it is almost entrancing.

In fact Bach *was* loving several objects as he exercised his masterful, musical intuition. He was loving God, for at the end of each manuscript he penned the initials 'S.D.G' ('Soli Deo Gloria' = 'To God alone be the glory'). He was loving the very creation he was exploring. And, professional considerations notwithstanding, he was loving those sympathetic listeners who for centuries would find themselves amazed at his craft.

'The Craft of the Fugue', after all, is arguably the better translation of 'Die Kunst der Fuge' than the more conventional 'The Art of Fugue', though at any rate Bach's craft was that of an artisan who also happened to understand the constituent elements of his craftsmanship with exceeding guile.

As one listens to this magnificent music, it is possible to believe - one must almost say to glimpse the reality - that God is his heaven, that this good earth is indeed a beautiful thing, and that sympathy on the part of the listener moves one a step or two towards conviction on these counts.

3 out of 5 stars Very good, but why not go for the best instead?.......2005-11-21

Of the five CDs of J.S. Bach's The Art Of The Fugue recently acquired, this is my least favorite. It is good, but but lacks the precision and spark of Karl Munchinger's direction (see ASIN B000050GK0). I tend to find Marriner's direction "creamy"; perfect for a piece like Beethoven's Eroica symphony, but not right for this Bach. Also, the mixture of different instruments from piece to piece breaks up the continuity.

The Canadian Brass version (ASIN B0000026NK) is excellent but is difficult to listen to in one sitting unless you love brass. If you want a masterfully conceived and executed version of The Art Of Fugue consisting of nothing but brass, this is the CD for you.

The Hans Fagius all organ version (ASIN B00004YYRV) is also excellent, but I personally tend to find the all organ program a bit hard to take in one sitting. And it doesn't have the contrasts of multiple-instrument versions. Of course, this far more likely historically accurate to Bach's time than the all brass version.

Other reviewers have extolled the Emerson Quartet version of the Fugues (ASIN B00008O8B3). It's really good, but not as good as the Karl Munchinger one (ASIN B000050GK0). It's not as precise and rigid. I like the crisp, controlled almost machine produced sound of the Munchinger version.

The Karl Munchinger version is the best for both an introduction to Bach's late Fugues (and other pieces) and for a sublime listening experience. I recommend getting the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester version (ASIN B000050GK0). Why go for good or excellent when you can get the best instead?

3 out of 5 stars A reasonable, but not outstanding, 2 CD set of Bach.......2005-09-20

This is a good, but certainly not great, set of performances of two of Bach's contrapunctal works. Why only three stars? Well, it is a bargin, and there is nothing glaringly wrong, but there are just better recordings of both of these works available. If you are really on a very tight budget, you might buy it, but if you are really into Bach or want to learn, skip this and spend a bit more money.

In fact, if you look around you can get better recordings on the cheap. For the Musical Offering try Leonhardt and for the Art of the Fugue there are numerous better sets, for instance the Gould keyboard recording, or the Jordi Savall peformance that includes both of the works.

4 out of 5 stars A rich variety of instrumentation.......2005-08-28

This last, highly-systematic composition of Bach was his summation of the art of contrapunctal composition. It is even recorded in history that the well-aged Bach - then blind - temporarily regained part of his eyesight (ruined from a desperate operation) to pen the final illuminations of his art. While he died before finishing it, what he left is some of the most intricate, intelligent and daunghting music of the counterpoint style. Each movement highlights one or more different compositional techniques in counterpoint. Additionally, the Musical Offering is another major, late fugal composition with its own fascinating history.

As Bach did not document the scoring for The Art of Fugue, performances range from solo keyboard instruments (organ, harpsichord, piano) to string quartet to wind ensemble to brass arrangements to full orchestra to whatever. But what about this varied orchestral performance by the ASMF? I think other reviewers made a good conclusion: it is a solid CD to "sample" the various instrument combinations that are possible for this fugal giant of a composition. While purists may perhaps find this variery of scoring on this CD here overly accomodating to keep the music "more interesting," it probably is an advantage for the listener new to the music or for those who just like variety sometimes. Personally, I liked the approach here with the wide variety of sounds and textures of the harpsichord, organ, string quartet, flutes and full orchestra. The sound quality on this CD is very good - full bodied with an attractive resonance but without losing clarity of the individual voices.

Some may cite a lack of emotional quality as a weakness of Marriner's conducting here. This can be heard at times but mostly only when comparing to another orchestra. But overall the music is quite good and should please most. Penguin Guide gave this set a top 3/3 stars citing both "a style of playing that is profoundly satisfying with finely judged tempi, unmannered phrasing and resilient rhythms ... though some of the playing is a trifle bland." Well said I think and not an over-endorsement or under-endorsement.

For an orchestral performance with more passionate and emotive undertones, look to the Stuttgart Orchestra conducted by Munchinger - a fine recording that also gets high marks. That set contains the same two works and is quite wonderful to hear with more complex sonorities and more artful building of the fugal inter-twining. Just compare the first two clips and you will see how the ASMF version is more "unmannered" while the Munchinger/Stuttgart CO performance breathes much more emmotional drama into the music. Other performaces to consider are: The Emerson, Delme or Keller String Quartets and the Stardust (wind) Quartet - the latter who play on recorders of varying sizes and depth of tone that sound together not unlike the pipes of an organ. But, for a wide variety of sound, the Marriner set here is quite nice. Regardless of what performance you like the most, enjoy this legendary music.

3 out of 5 stars LIKE A TEXTBOOK --VERY INFORMED-NOT BAD, BUT A LITTLE DRY.......2003-05-29

This cd is best for those of us who are unfamiliar with Bach's music and want to get to know these two works and buy an affordable cd at the same time. As a general introduction it is great and very educational--the art of fugue is played on various instruments to drive home the fact that the music was never scored for specific instruments. Each contrapunctus is given a decent and fair showing.

Marriner however seems to be most comfortable when he is conducting lighter, airier stuff like Mozart divertimentos (some of the best mozart around is conducted my marriner in my opinion) Bach is a little above him i think.You can tell that he has deep respect for this music by the way he handles it--but i think he has trouble finding the soul or emotion of this music. Put another way he demonstrates masterfully the intellectual side of Bach, but fails at capturing the emotion and feeling of Bach. And dont tell me that there is no emotion to Bach's music--because i know better having heard some of his other pieces.

To be fair though it should be said that The Art of Fugue and to some extent the Musical Offering are two of Bach's most abstract and "conceptual" works so it is no wonder that one might have trouble capturing all its dimensions on cd. I have difficulty sitting through this cd (although i have done it several times) at times the performance comes off as being a little dry and rote--almost as if one was playing an exercise or an etude rather than a work proper. It is best in small pieces. The fugal nature of the piece can at times make one think one is hearing the same thing over and over due to the slower tempo and conducting style of Marriner. In reality however there are many different things going on in each fugue despite the fact that they are all based on one theme. Close listening to the cd helps to develop a sensitive ear as you try try to distinguish what is going on in each fugue that sets it apart from the others (analysis).

As a final word, this cd is not bad-it s a good showing, but its definitely not the best perf either.In my opinion-this cd is best heard in small chunks. Its great if you want an introduction to this work, its great if you want to save money. Its great if you like your bach simple-- except for two harpsichords it doesnt use period instruments--but it does use period performance (no vibrato, small ensemble) Its also great if you like to "dissect" your Bach as you hear it and see the analytical side to this music. If however you would like to hear the emotional side to these very intellectual and somewhat abstract pieces try the Munchinger. Also do not miss the Stardust Quartet interpretation on recorders--it sounds as if it were a totally different piece--very airy and beautiful rather than heavy and concrete.

In general i would say if you dont know these two pieces by Bach start with this and once you feel comfortable and familiar with the piece check out some of the other interpretations and see how they differ and which you like best.
Life & Works of Bach
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Well done and interesting
  • Wonderful biography, needs more proportion in the music
Life & Works of Bach
Bach , Siepmann , and Shrapnel
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Life and Works of Ludwig van Beethoven
  2. Life & Works
  3. The Life and Works of Frédéric Chopin
  4. The Life and Works of Joseph Haydn
  5. Brahms: Life & Works

ASIN: B0000666A8
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

  1. Family Background And Early Years
  2. Music: Capriccio On The Departure Of His Beloved Brother
  3. Bach And The Organ
  4. Music Toccata And Fugue In D Minow, BWV 565
  5. Bach In Trouble
  6. Music: Trio Sonata In E Flat, BWV 525
  7. Bach The Husband And Father
  8. Music: Vivaldi/Bach: Concerto In A Minor For Four Harpsichords
  9. Bach The Younger Composer
  10. Music: Prelude And Fugue In A Minor, BWV 543
  11. Bach In Weimar (And In Jail)
  12. Music: Prelude In E Flat Minor (The Well Tempered Clavier, Book 1)
  13. Bach Leaves Weimar
  14. Music: Violin Concerto In E Major (Finale)

Tracks:

  1. Bach At Cothen
  2. Music: Concerto For Two Violins (Largo Ma Non Tanto)
  3. Bach And The Brandenburgs
  4. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D (First Movement)
  5. From Grief To Joy Through Faith
  6. Music: 'Et Resurrexit' (B Minor Mass)
  7. New Beginnings: Bach Remarries And His Family Grows
  8. Music: Aria In G
  9. Goldberg Variations And Anna Magdalena's Notebook
  10. Music: Stolzel: Bist Du Bei Mir
  11. Domestic Happiness And The Move To Leipzig
  12. Music: Magnificat
  13. Bach's Duties At Lepzig
  14. Music: Cantata No. 80 (Duetto)
  15. Bach The Teacher
  16. Music: Sinfonia (Three-Part Invention) In E Flat
  17. The Great Keyboard Works On Educational Agenda
  18. Music: Italien Concerto
  19. A Letter To The King
  20. Music: Cantata No. 147 (Opening Chorus)

Tracks:

  1. Bach Takes Up The Poet's Pen
  2. Music: Partita No. 1 In B Flat BWV 825 (Courante)
  3. Bach's Frustration At Leipzig
  4. Music: Singet Dem Herrn, BWV 225
  5. Frustrations Intensify
  6. Music: St John Passion (Opening Chorus)
  7. Bach's Efforts To Leave Leipzig
  8. Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 (First Movement)
  9. The King Of Poland's Jubilee
  10. Music: Suite No. 3 In D, BWV 1068
  11. The Ernesti Affair
  12. Music: Prelude In D Major, BWV 532
  13. Adolf Scheibe's Scathing Views On Bach
  14. Music: Concerto In C For Three Harpsichords (Finale)

Tracks:

  1. Bach And Opera
  2. 'Coffee' Cantata (Excerpts)
  3. 'Peasant' Cantata (Excerpts)
  4. The Twilight Years
  5. Music: The Art Of Fugue
  6. Bach's Visit To Frederick The Great
  7. Music: The Musical Offering
  8. Decline And Death
  9. Music: Mass In B Minor

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Well done and interesting.......2005-02-22

This recording alternates extended selections of Bach's music (complete pieces or movements) with a narrated and sometimes dramatized biography of Bach. The music selections are excellent and the biography itself is well done and interesting. The lengthy accompanying booklet is also very nice.

My only reservation comes from a feeling that the music and the narration are not as well integrated as they could be. The narrator identifies the musical selections and may give a sentence or two of background for the selection but never really discusses it. Instead, the narration is focused almost entirely on the events of Bach's life. I would have preferred more of a "music appreciation" approach that discussed the music, and had trouble getting used to the bifurcated nature of production. The extended free-standing music selections do mean that the four discs are a sort of "best of Bach" anthology and you can re-listen to just the music by skipping every other track.

Naxos also produces a 2-disc set called An Introduction to Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4 & 5 (ASIN: B0000666A9), also by Mr. Seipmann, which closely analyzes the actual music of these two concertos. I found that the two sets are complementary with no overlap, except for part of the booklets, and I would recommend getting both if you have an interest in Bach and are also interested in understanding what to listen for in his music. In addition (or as an alternative), I would also recommend the lectures by Robert Greenberg on "Bach and the High Baroque" produced by the Teaching Company, which are much longer, more detailed, and more focused on the "music appreciation" aspect. They are also much more expensive.

Overall, this item is very worthwhile and a good value, like most of Naxos's products.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful biography, needs more proportion in the music.......2002-08-21

Naxos continues to do a wonderful job with its "Life and Works" series. Quite some time ago, we had a Life/Works of Mozart, one of Chopin and then two more, Liszt and Beethoven. he latter are even better packaged than are the earlier sets, with a thick booklet that offers us essays on the historical background, the position of the composer in his time, a look at the major works, a listening plan, recommended readings, personalities, a calendar of the artist's life, a glossary, and a discography. This booklet is worth the price of the set alone.

Now we have two more entries in this amazing series, again written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann: "Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky" (8.558036-39) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 5 min. and "Johann Sebastian Bach" (8.558051-54) with a playing time of 4 hrs. 34 minutes. (Please see my comments for the Tchaikovsky on that webpage.)

In direct contrast to the tortured personality of Tchaikovsky, we have the life-loving J.S. Bach, he who lost his temper only when he ran up against ineptitude. Again, the biographical details are fascinating. But also again, the musical examples are far too few--especially for this prolific composer--and some are simply far too long. We do not really need a complete rendition of the famous "Toccata and Fugue" and certainly not of the "Prelude and Fugue in A minor" to which is devoted a 13 minute track.

Here the voice of Bach is supplied by actor John Shrapnel, with Trevor Nichols, Ruth Sillers and David Timson in supporting roles. So 5 stars for the biography, somewhat less for musical examples.
Classical Masters (Box Set)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Classical Masters (Box Set)

    Manufacturer: Delta
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00005YAZ5
    Release Date: 2000-07-10
    New Approach to J. S. Bach
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      New Approach to J. S. Bach

      Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
      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
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      OrganOrgan | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      Academy of Ancient MusicAcademy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      MagnificatsMagnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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      OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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      GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00000DG04
      Release Date: 1998-10-27

      Tracks:

      1. Ov/Kircher's Infulence On Bach's Music: Exc: (1/2) Con (III. Allegro)/(1.2) Cant BWV201... - A New Approach To Johann Sebastian Bach
      2. Hexachordum Apollinis/Fifth Aria, Theme And Vars 1-3 - John Butt
      3. Chor & 3 Partitas BWV767: O Gott, Du Frommer Gott - Lionel Rogg
      4. Chor: Christ Lag In Todesbanden - Francis Chapelet/Matheu Bosch
      5. Armonico Tributo: Con Grosso No.3: (5.1) Son. Grave (5.2) Allegro - Ens 415/Chiara Banchini/Jesper Christensen
      6. Toccata And Fugue in F, BuxWV157 - Rene Saorgin
      7. 'Yale Manuscript' Chor Prlds: Chor Prld 88: Erhalt Uns, Herr, Bei Deinem Wort - Joseph Payne/Bozeman-Gibson
      8. 'Yale Manuscript' Chor Prlds: Chor Prld 60: Aus Tiefer Not Schrei Ich Zu Dir - Joseph Payne/Bozeman-Gibson
      9. 'Yale Manuscript' Chor Prlds: Chor Prld 93: Jesu, Meine Freude - Joseph Payne/Bozeman-Gibson
      10. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part One: Coro Lass, Furstin, Lass Noch Einen Strahl - La Chapelle Royale/Philippe Herreweghe
      11. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part One: Recitativo: Dein Sachsen - Ingrid Schmithusen
      12. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part One: Aria: Vestummt! - Ingrid Schmithusen
      13. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part One: Recitativo: Der Glocken Bebendes Geton - Charles Brett
      14. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part One: Aria: Wie Starb Die Heldin So Vergnugt - Charles Brett
      15. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part One: Recitativo: Ihr Leben Liess Die Kunst Zu Sterben - Howard Cook
      16. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part One: Coro: An Dir, Du Furbild Grosser Frauen - La Chapelle Royale/Philippe Herreweghe
      17. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part Two: Aria: Der Ewikeit Saphirnes Haus - Howard Cook
      18. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part Two: Recitativo: Was Wunder Ist? - Peter Kooy
      19. Trauerode/Cant BWV198: Part Two: Chor Ultimus: Doch, Konigin! - La Chapelle Royale/Philippe Herreweghe

      Tracks:

      1. Fant in G, BWV572 - Lionel Rogg
      2. Pastorella in F, BWV590 (First Section) - Lionel Rogg
      3. Con BWV1060: III. Allegro - Academy Of Ancient Music/Andrew Manze/Rachel Podger
      4. Advent Cant BWV61/Opening Chor: Now Come, The Saviour Of The Heathen - Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herrweghe
      5. Cant BWV21: Ich Hatte Viel Bekummernis: Sinf (Adagio Assai) - Marcel Ponseele
      6. Orch Ste (Ov) No.1 in C, BWV1066: IV. Forlane (Italian Dance) - Akademie Fur Musik Berlin
      7. Orch Ste (Ov) No.1 in C, BWV1066: V. Menuets I & II (French Dance) - Akademie Fur Musik Berlin
      8. Mass in b, BWV232: Et Incarnatus Est - La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      9. Mass in b, BWV232: Crucifixus - La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      10. Mass in b, BWV232: Et Resurrexit - La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      11. St Matthew Passion: No.38a (Evang. Petrus Aber)/No.38b (Chor: Wahrlich, Du Bist) & 38c - Rene Jacobs/Howard Crook/La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      12. St Matthew Passion: No.39 (Aria: Eurbane Dich) - Rene Jacobs/Howard Crook/La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      13. St Matthew Passion: No.40 (Chor: Bin Ich Gleich) - Rene Jacobs/Howard Crook/La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      14. St Matthew Passion: No.41 (Evang. Des Morgens Aber)/No.41b (Chor: Was Gehet Uns Das An?) No.41c... - Rene Jacobs/Howard Crook/La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      15. Singet Dem Herrn Ein Neues Lied: Motet BWV225 (Part I) - RAIS-Kammerchor/Akademie Fur Alte Musik Berlin/Rene Jacobs
      16. Magnificat BWV243: Sicut Locutus Est - La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      17. Parody: Ascension Oratorio BWV 11: Aria: Ach Bleibe Doch - Catherine Patriasz/Andreas Scholl/La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      18. Parody: Mass in b, BWV 232: Agnus Dei (Aria) - Catherine Patriasz/Andreas Scholl/La Chapelle Royale-Collegium Vocale/Philippe Herreweghe
      19. Aus Tiefer Not Schrei Ich Zu Dir: 6-Part Fugue BWV686 - Lionel Rogg
      20. Goldberg Vars BWV988: Theme (Aria) - Kenneth Gilbert
      21. Goldberg Vars BWV988: Var No.25 - Kenneth Gilbert
      22. The Art Of Fugue: Contrapunctus 1 - A New Approach To Johann Sebastian Bach
      23. The Art Of Fugue: Contrapunctus 3 - A New Approach To Johann Sebastian Bach
      24. The Art Of Fugue: Contrapunctus 6 - A New Approach To Johann Sebastian Bach
      25. The Art Of Fugue: Contrapunctus - A New Approach To Johann Sebastian Bach
      26. The Musical Offering BWV1079: Ricercar A 3 Beginning - Davitt Moroney/Janet See/John Holloway/Jaap Ter Linden
      27. The Musical Offering BWV1079: Ricercar A 6 Beginning - Davitt Moroney/Janet See/John Holloway/Jaap Ter Linden
      28. The Musical Offering BWV1079: Largo Of 'Son Sopr'il Soggetto Reale' - Davitt Moroney/Janet See/John Holloway/Jaap Ter Linden
      Elements: Waterfall Suite
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Elements: Waterfall Suite

        Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
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        1. Elements: Symphony of Light
        2. Elements: Four Seasons
        3. Elements: The Majestic National Parks
        4. Elements: Winter Crystals
        5. Elements: Reflections

        ASIN: B0009MAODW
        Release Date: 2005-05-31

        Tracks:

        1. Toccata in D Minor
        2. Brandenburg Concerto #3
        3. Rejouissance
        4. Mass in B Minor Gloria
        5. Violin Concerto E Major
        6. Brandenburg Concerto #
        7. Menuet & Baderine
        8. Italian Concerto in F
        9. Art of the Fugue
        10. Christmas Oratorio
        11. Menuet in D Minor
        12. Musical Offering
        13. Oboe Concerto in D Minor
        14. Piano Concerto #5
        15. Air on a G String

        Tracks:

        1. Toccata in D Minor
        2. Brandenburg Concerto #3
        3. Rejouissance
        4. Mass in B Minor Gloria
        5. Violin Concerto E Major
        6. Brandenburg Concerto #4
        7. Menuet & Baderine
        8. Italian Concerto in F
        9. Art of the Fugue
        10. Christmas Oratorio
        11. Menuet in D Minor
        12. Musical Offering
        13. Oboe Concerto in D Minor
        14. Piano Concerto #5
        15. Air on a G String

        Product Description

        CD:
        1. Toccata in D minor
        2. Brandenburg Concerto #3
        3. Rejouissance
        4. Mass in B minor Gloria
        5. Violin Concerto E major
        6. Brandenburg Concerto #4
        7. Menuet & Baderine
        8. Italian Concerto in F
        9. Art of the Fugue
        10. Christmas Oratorio
        11. Menuet in D minor
        12. Musical Offering
        13. Oboe Concerto in D minor
        14. Piano Concerto #5
        15. Air on a G string

        DVD:
        1. Toccata in D minor
        2. Brandenburg Concerto #3
        3. Rejouissance
        4. Mass in B minor Gloria
        5. Violin Concerto E major
        6. Brandenburg Concerto #4
        7. Menuet & Baderine
        8. Italian Concerto in F
        9. Art of the Fugue
        10. Christmas Oratorio
        11. Menuet in D minor
        12. Musical Offering
        13. Oboe Concerto in D minor
        14. Piano Concerto #5
        15. Air on a G string

        Format: CD
        Greatest Hits: Baroque Piano
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Most of songs were very goood
        • Wonderful collection of Baroque music
        • Lovely piano music!!!
        Greatest Hits: Baroque Piano

        Manufacturer: Sony
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        ASIN: B000002C0O
        Release Date: 1995-08-22

        Tracks:

        1. Goldberg Variations, BWV 988: Aria da capo
        2. Invention No. 1 In C Major, BWV 772
        3. Invention No. 4 In D Minor, BWV 775
        4. Invention No. 8 In F Major, BWV 779
        5. Sonata In E - Flat Major, BWV 1031: Siciliano
        6. Catata No. 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
        7. The Well - Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude No. 1 In C Major, BWV 846
        8. 'Italian' Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: I. [Without Tempo Indication]
        9. 'Italian' Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: III. Presto
        10. Concerto In F Minor, BWV 1056: II Largo
        11. Air And Variations In E Major From Harpsichord Suite No. 5: The Harmonious Blacksmith
        12. Le coucou
        13. Le tambourin
        14. Sonata In E Major, K. 380 (L. 23)
        15. Sonata In G Major, K. 427 (L. 286)
        16. Sonata In F Minor, K. 481 (L. 187)
        17. Sonata In A Major, K. 39 (L. 391)
        18. Sonata In B - Flat Major K. 551 (L. 396)
        19. Sonata In C Minor, K. 11 (L. 352)
        20. Sonata In F Major, K. 366 (L. 119)
        21. Cantata No. 140: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
        22. A Musical Offering, BWV 1079: Ricercar In 6 Voices
        23. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus I
        24. The Art Of The Fugue, BWV 1080: Contrapunctus IX

        Customer Reviews:

        3 out of 5 stars