Bach: Wir Danken Dir, Gott

Track Listings
1. Gott, Man Lobet Dich In Der Stille, BWV120: 1. Aria: Gott, Man Lobet Dich In Der Stille Zu Sion    
2. Gott, Man Lobet Dich In Der Stille, BWV120: 2. Chor: Jauchzet, Ihr Erfreuten Stimmen - Collegium Vocale Chor    
3. Gott, Man Lobet Dich In Der Stille, BWV120: 3. Rezitativ: Auf, Du Geliebte Lindenstadt!    
4. Gott, Man Lobet Dich In Der Stille, BWV120: 4. Arie: Heil Und Segen    
5. Gott, Man Lobet Dich In Der Stille, BWV120: 5. Rezitativ: Nun, Herr, So Weihe Selbst Das Regiment    
6. Gott, Man Lobet Dich In Der Stille, BWV120: 6. Choral: Nun Hilf Uns, Herr, Den Dienern Dein    
7. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 1. Chor: Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn - Collegium Vocale Chor    
8. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 2. Rezitativ: Gesegnet Land! Gluckselge Stadt!    
9. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 3. Arie: Wohl Dir, Du Volk Der Linden    
10. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 4. Rezitativ: So Herrlicht Stehst Du, Liebe Stadt!    
11. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 5. Arie: Die Obrigkeit Ist Gottes Gabe    
12. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 6. Rezitative: Nun, Wir Erkennen Es Und Bringen Dir    
13. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 7. Chor: Der Herr Hat Guts An Uns Getan - Collegium Vocale Chor    
14. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 8. Rezitativ: Zuletzt!    
15. Preise, Jerusalem, Den Herrn, BWV119: 9. Choral: Hilf Deinem Volk, Herr Jesu Christ    
16. Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir, BWV29: 1. Sinf - Collegium Vocale Orch...    
17. Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir, BWV29: 2. Chor: Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir - Collegium Vocale Chor    
18. Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir, BWV29: 3. Arie: Halleluja, Stark Und Macht - Mark Padmore    
19. Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir, BWV29: 4. Rezitativ: Gottlob! Es Geht Uns Wohl!    
20. Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir, BWV29: 5. Arie: Gedenk An Uns Mit Deiner Liebe    
See all 23 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Bach's composer-in-residence status made him responsible for writing music for municipal affairs, a duty that entailed serving both practical and spiritual purposes. The three cantatas collected here were written in Leipzig to mark the renewal of civic courts. The lyrics make metaphoric references to the city; much of the text is drawn from Psalms. Fitting the cantatas' public nature, Philippe Herreweghe has treated them as celebratory, colorful, and often sprightly, certainly less somber and morally complex than, say, Joshua Rifkin's recordings of Bach cantatas. Recitative moments often attend a meditative pace, and though there are spoken moments here, they are brief, just parts of a larger mosaic that ranges from soprano with violin accompaniment to full orchestra. These are joyous expressions of God's blessing, and the performances do them justice. The depth of the recorded choruses, in particular, is remarkable--the manner in which the distinct timbre of various vocal parts is maintained even as nearly 20 voices work together. The effort of individual performers is also paramount, notably the extended organ introduction to No. 29 (among the set's many resplendent flourishes), a number of chamber settings for violin, and star turns by soprano Deborah York and bass Peter Kooy. --Marc Weidenbaum

Bach: Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Music, Ingeborg Danz, Peter Kooy, Johann Sebastian Bach, Philippe Herreweghe, Deborah York, Mark Padmore, Cantata, Choral, Classical, Classical Music, Classical Vocals
Switched-On Bach
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • VERY switched on and total joy!
  • Viva Walter/Wendy
  • Bach, enhanced by Ms. Wendy Carlos
  • W. Carlos un precursore nell'uso del sintetizzatore ed un originale interprete della musica classica
  • Switched-On Bach
 Switched-On Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Wendy Carlos
Manufacturer: East Side Digital
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Switched-On Bach II
  2. The Well-Tempered Synthesizer
  3. A Clockwork Orange: Wendy Carlos's Complete Original Score
  4. Switched-On Brandenburgs
  5. Hooked On Classics

ASIN: B00005ORCV
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Tracks:

  1. Sinf To Cant No.29
  2. Air On A G String
  3. Two-Part Invention in F
  4. Two-Part Invention in B flat
  5. Two-Part Invention in d
  6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  7. The Well-Tempered Clavier: Book I: Prld And Fugue No.7 in E flat
  8. The Well-Tempered Clavier: Book I: Prld And Fugue No.2 in c
  9. Chorale Prld 'Wachet Auf'
  10. Brandenburg Con No.3 in G: I. Allegro
  11. Brandenburg Con No.3 in G: II. Adagio (First, 1968 Version)
  12. Brandenburg Con No.3 in G: III. Allegro
  13. Initial Experiments

Amazon.com

Wendy Carlos's Switched-On Bach is one of those rare novelty recordings that never gets boring. In the capable hands of Carlos, Bach's keyboard masterpieces sound like they were made for the otherworldly blurps, farts, and chimes of a Moog synthesizer. And, in a sense, they were. Bach's inventive music doesn't lose any of it's contrapuntal punch in these complicated arrangements and, novelties aside, the playing is great on this Grammy Award-winning classic. Whether performing Bach's "Two-Part Inventions," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," or "Wachet Auf," Carlos offers one-of-a-kind interpretations, her synthesizers still sounding as otherworldly as they did in 1968. This is one of those weird and wonderful classical releases that anyone--classical scholar or pop enthusiast--can enjoy. A Switched-On box set exists, capturing most of Carlos's baroque-gone-berserk output, but this is the disc that started it all. In a word, fun. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars VERY switched on and total joy!.......2007-04-27

I was thrilled to see how many people like myself love this album & were introduced to it at an early age like I was. I believe the original release was in 1963 (?) and I remember as a kid I thought Walter Carlos was the guy on the cover of the album... so imagine my surprise when years later I see the same album cover with the performer listed as Wendy Carlos. Could it be the same album? Was I about to get really happy? YOU BET! I was so delighted to see this released on CD I can't even tell you. I loved this album and listened to it repeatedly as a kid. I especially love the pure, triumphant, unadulterated and unapologetic JOY of the first track, the Cantata... wow, turn THAT up in your car and just feel the tears of joy flood your eyes... well, maybe pull over if you are like me and can't see for that very same reason!

Bach is so very well suited to this medium- to hear each line like this and really have so much great color and definition-- I think Bach himself would be so very proud of Wendy's achievement. This album was such a landmark- I also was fascinated by the Tomita Planets (a synthesized version of the same composition by Gustav Holst) when I was younger- but this album will always have a special place in my heart. If you get it for only the very first track, it will be money well spent. Having said that, the whole album is just amazing- the Air on a G string is so reverent and peaceful. The inventions are all a trip! The one in F always cracks me up because that was one of the 1st pieces of his I tried to play... very tough because the hands do exactly the same thing- but 1 measure apart. Wendy's tempos are cookin' too, such virtuosity! But the love is there too on the slower movements where the time and care with the dynamics is so evident.

GREAT ALBUM, be glad it's on CD and get it! You won't regret it.

5 out of 5 stars Viva Walter/Wendy.......2007-04-21

I have just ordered this item so I can't comment on its production value however I purchased the original LP in SQ Quadriphonic and it sounded great;still does -I transferred it to CD some time ago; but I wanted a 'professional' copy. I hope this 'enhanced' version lives up to its QUAD predecessor.
Edward Kerr
iegolden@shaw.ca

5 out of 5 stars Bach, enhanced by Ms. Wendy Carlos.......2007-03-13

One of the attractions of this CD is that it portrays the Moog synthesizer. Its main attraction, in my opinion, is the performance in which Ms. Wendy Carlos has revealed the cosmic aspect of Bach's music. The Moog synthesizer was used as a vehicle to achieve this goal. The enormous popularity of this recording no doubt lies in the fact that Ms. Carlos has taken the best of the Bach's music and amplified it. This music is an abstraction fitting our times. Ms. Carlos has catapulted Bach to space. One can hear the cosmic fireworks, see brilliant colors, the birth and death of the stars, feel the loneliness of the infinite stretches of space, and the ultimate power of the hope that we can conquer our own mortality. I think that this beautiful music is all about the human spirit. It is Bach at his best.
I fell in love with this recording almost three decades ago. I maintain that there is no nicer performance of Bach. The genius of Ms. Wendy Carlos sparkles. It makes me reflect on the human achievements. It is wonderful that she has produced something so great, and that so many people have benefited from her talent.
My favorites are Symphonia to Cantata #29, Prelude and Fugue #7 in E-Flat Major and Prelude and Fugue #2 in C Minor (both from Book I of the Well-Tempered Clavier), and also the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major.
The recording is enhanced and it has a delightful addition of about 8 minutes in which Ms. Wendy Carlos tells us about the early beginnings of this project. The CD comes with a very attractive booklet that is artistically designed and has several informative write-ups about the history and development of this project.
This recording is a must!

4 out of 5 stars W. Carlos un precursore nell'uso del sintetizzatore ed un originale interprete della musica classica.......2007-03-08

W. Carlos un precursore nell'uso del sintetizzatore ed un originale interprete della musica classica.
Credo che "Switched-On Bach" sia il primo (o uno dei primi) dischi prodotti da W.Carlos.
Molto interessante.
L'uso del sint era sicuramente più originale 30/40 anni fa che oggi

5 out of 5 stars Switched-On Bach.......2007-01-24

Bach had a genius for polyphonic art as expressed in music. Hear his gift performed on the moog...the early synthesizer of the 60s...done tastefully and skillfully by Wendy Carlos. An eye opener in its time, yet still in demand some 40 years later. Why is that? Yes, questions...
The Complete Wedding Album
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • GORGEOUS!
  • Wonderful intro To MEHDl ...
  • great
  • The Complete Wedding Album
  • Almost the compete wedding album
 The Complete Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006ONZ
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

  1. Rigaudon - Empire Brass
  2. Sinfonia - Michael Murray
  3. Toccata - Michael Murray
  4. Wedding March - Michael Murray
  5. The Prince Of Denmark's March - Michael Murray
  6. Trumpet Tune In D Major - Michael Murray
  7. Te Deum - Michael Murray
  8. Ave Maria - Michael Murray
  9. Canon In D Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
  10. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Yolanda Kondonassis
  11. Prelude No. 1 In C Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
  12. Entrance Of The Queen Of Sheba - Keith Clark
  13. Air - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
  14. Hornpipe - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
  15. Rondeau - Empire Brass
  16. Unchained Melody - Erich Kunzel
  17. Through The Eyes Of Love - William Tritt
  18. Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet - William Tritt
  19. The Wedding Song (There Is Love - Danny Donnelly
  20. Dodi Li - Shira Kammen

Tracks:

  1. Rondeau - Michael Murray
  2. Sheep May Safely Graze - Michael Murray
  3. Ave Maria - Michael Murray
  4. Gymnopedie No. 1 - Michael Chertock
  5. Clair De Lune - Michael Chertock
  6. Adagio Sostenuto - Michael Chertock
  7. Largo - Angel Romero
  8. Largo - Larry Cooperman
  9. Largo - Keith Clark
  10. Allegro - Boston Symphony Orchestra
  11. Adagio In G Minor For Strings - Keith Clark
  12. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Leonard Slatkin
  13. Adagio For Strings - Erich Kunzel
  14. 'Treulich Gefuart,' Bridal Chorus - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
  15. Wedding March - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars GORGEOUS!.......2007-06-13

I wish this CD had been around when I was planning my wedding as it would have been great for helping the bride to select music! Still, it's wonderful to listen to now.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful intro To MEHDl ..........2006-06-08

I've always enjoyed Great Wedding music and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered a group by the name of MEHDl (pronounced medie). After an online search I found their site (S00THINGMUSIC,C0M) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to these CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Tomaso Albinoni fan of, I find MEHDl to be a great addition to this CD. I had them both in my multi-disc CD player during the wedding and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.

5 out of 5 stars great.......2006-02-19

Highly recommended. Even has suggestions for pre-ceremony, processional, ceremony, and recessional inside. 2 different versions of Midsummer Night's Dream march included - one with trumpet and organ and one with a full orchestra. Lots of great selections, well recorded.

5 out of 5 stars The Complete Wedding Album.......2005-08-05

This album has a lot of great wedding music. It had all of the songs I was looking for. There also is great background music for the ceremony. Glad I purchased it

4 out of 5 stars Almost the compete wedding album.......2004-05-07

I used this cd to help me plan which songs I wanted to use for each part of the wedding. This cd helps you suggest the placement for the prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional. The cd mainly has classical songs, but it does have a few of "today's" songs. There could have been a few more songs they could have added. But overall, its a good cd.
Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent recording
  • Highly Recommended!
  • Amazing
  • A gentleman musical agreement!
  • Extreme virtuosity
 Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso
Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RTR
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

  1. Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
  2. Estudio brillante
  3. Etude No. 1 In E Minor
  4. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
  5. Leyenda
  6. Romance
  7. Rumores de la Caleta
  8. Capricho Arabe
  9. Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  10. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
  11. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
  12. Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
  13. Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
  14. Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
  15. Les Barricades mysterieuses
  16. Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
  17. Passacaglia
  18. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
  19. Gymnopedie No. 1
  20. Empress Of The Pagodas
  21. Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

  1. Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
  2. Fairest Lord Jesus
  3. Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
  4. Simple Gifts
  5. Hymn Of Christian Joy
  6. Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
  7. Cantata 156: Arioso
  8. Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
  9. Canon
  10. Dolly Suite: Berceuse
  11. La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
  12. Terezinha De Jesus
  13. Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
  14. Goyescas: Intermezzo
  15. Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
  16. Evening Dance
  17. Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
  18. Canarlos
  19. La Maja de Goya
  20. El Noi de la Mare
  21. Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

5 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

5 out of 5 stars A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

5 out of 5 stars Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.
Switched-On Boxed Set
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Truly A Masterpiece!
  • Definitive, historical, all-in-one
  • Súper Colección
  • Walter's best
  • Loved It All Over Again
 Switched-On Boxed Set

Manufacturer: East Side Digital
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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GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
InventionsInventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
ComputerComputer | Electronic | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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  1. A Clockwork Orange: Wendy Carlos's Complete Original Score
  2. Sonic Seasonings + [Enhanced CD]
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  4. Beauty in the Beast
  5. By Request

ASIN: B00002DDS5
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

  1. Sinfonia to Cantata #29
  2. Air on a G String
  3. Two-Part Invention in F Major
  4. Two-Part Invention in B-Flat Major
  5. Two-Part Invention in D Minor
  6. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
  7. Prelude and Fugue #7 in E-Flat Major
  8. Prelude and Fugue #2 in C
  9. Chorale Prelude "Wachet Auf" Bradenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major
  10. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: I. Allegro
  11. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: II. Adagio
  12. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: III. Allegro
  13. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: II. Adagio
  14. Brandenburg Concerto #3 in G: Initial Experiments

Tracks:

  1. Orfeo Suite: Toccata/Ritornello I/Choro II/Ritornello II/Choro II/Ritor
  2. Sonata in G Major
  3. Sonata in D Major
  4. Bourree
  5. Air
  6. Allegro Deciso
  7. Sonata in E Major
  8. Sonata in D Major
  9. Bradenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: I. Allegro
  10. Bradenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: II. Andante
  11. Bradenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: III. Presto
  12. Domine Ad Adjuvandum
  13. Stereo Allignment Tones
  14. Well-Tempered Experiments

Tracks:

  1. Badinerie
  2. Minuet
  3. Bourree
  4. Two-Part Invention in A-Minor
  5. Two-Part Invention in a Major
  6. Sheep May Safely Graze
  7. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Musette in D Major
  8. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Minuet in G Major
  9. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Bist du Bei Mir
  10. Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Marche in D Major
  11. Little Fugue in G Minor
  12. Bradenburg Concerto #5 in D Major: Allegro
  13. Bradenburg Concerto #5 in D Major: Affettuoso
  14. Bradenburg Concerto #5 in D Major: Allegro

Tracks:

  1. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: I. Allegro
  2. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: II. Adagio
  3. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: III. Allegro
  4. Brandenburg Concerto #1 in F Major: IV. Menuuetto, Trio I, Polocca, Trio
  5. Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F Major: I. Allegro
  6. Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F Major: II. Andante
  7. Brandenburg Concerto #2 in F Major: III. Allegro Assai
  8. Brandenburg Concerto #6 in B-Flat Major: I. Allegro
  9. Brandenburg Concerto #6 in B-Flat Major: II. Adagio Ma Non Tanto
  10. Brandenburg Concerto #6 in B-Flat Major: III. Allegro

Amazon.com

In 1968, keyboardist-composer Wendy Carlos released Switched-On Bach, her bestselling LP featuring baroque music performed on the Moog synthesizer. Carlos intended to spread the gospel of electronic classical music through this quirky release; instead, she sold more albums than Karlheinz Stockhausen could ever dream of, released a few follow-ups, and paved the way for Hot Butter's "Popcorn." Carlos has since become well known for more than just these wacky classical interpretations--she recorded the soundtracks to A Clockwork Orange and Tron and released new works--but the Switched-Ons are the goofy synthesizer recordings that most of us still remember.

No less than Glenn Gould proclaimed, "Carlos's realization of the Fourth Brandenburg Concerto is, to put it bluntly, the finest performance of any of the Brandenburgs--live, canned, or intuited--I've ever heard." We're not sure what he meant by that, but if you have half the enthusiasm Gould did for this music, check out this box set. All four of Carlos's baroque-gone-space-age LPs from the '70s are included here--Switched-On Bach, The Well-Tempered Synthesizer, Switched-On Bach II, and Switched-On Brandenburgs--completely remastered in all their stereophonic glory and containing bonus tracks (the fourth CD is even enhanced for use on your computer). The liner notes weigh in at around 150 pages, filled with photos and background information even on the evolution of Carlos's studio (you get the original LP notes in their entirety, too). The music? It's hilarious, absolutely riveting, and--whether Scarlatti, Bach, Handel, or Monteverdi--played successfully by Carlos and her battery of special effects. For the lover of the eclectic or the classical fan who knows how to let loose, this is a box set to get. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Truly A Masterpiece!.......2007-05-11

This collection is a treasured addition to our music library here at home, in part because I have long been a fan of the artist. Also, because we all enjoy the spin that Wendy puts on many of the classical works of the old masters of music. I heartily recommend this boxed set to any listener who wants to be delighted by the sounds of the Moog synthesizer, played in a masterful way by Wendy Carlos...

4 out of 5 stars Definitive, historical, all-in-one.......2007-03-04

If you've loved the Walter/Wendy Carlos recordings over the years, this is a great way to get them all in one place. If you are at all interested in the production process, this is a _must have_ item.

Some have complained about the discussion tracks at the end of some CDs; I guess I can see how some might find them annoying. For pure ambience, you'll want to program your CD player to not play them, or just rip these CDs and burn a new copy minus those tracks.

One minor complaint I have is that the Brandenburgs are scattered throughout. I don't think it should have been all that bad to just have some of them duplicated. But I do understand the rationale, including them as is on the albums where they appeared individually, and then only putting the rest on the actual Brandenburgs pair of CDs. Personally, I love being able to listen to all the Brandenburgs straight through, so again I just made new versions of CD for my own use with them all together in their original order.

And of course, these days so many people aren't even listening to their CDs on the CD player. The music is ripped and then played using an MP3 player, computer, or similar device. Making playlists for your preferred track arrangements obviates any of the above complaints.

Regardless, I think that the value of having an all-in-one collection of these classic electronic instruments and performances far outweighs any minor issues regarding one's opinion of the choice of production arranagement.

5 out of 5 stars Súper Colección.......2007-01-03

Una joya de arte, en su estuche y con un gran contenido de los primeros volúmenes de esta gran interprete.
Simplemente una gran colección para los fanaticos de Wendy

5 out of 5 stars Walter's best.......2006-06-09

I know record and CD covers have been reprinted to reflect that Walter goes by the name of Wendy now. But this is all his best stuff in one collection. If you never had "Switched-On Brandenburgs Vol. 1 & 2" on LP and didn't get them either on CD back in 1987, then this is your chance to get them along with bits from his other works. Also get his other masterpiece "By Request" and the soundtrack of the movie "A Clockwork Orange". That's all you need if you are a fan of 60's analog synthesizer classical music, which only Walter was doing at that time.

5 out of 5 stars Loved It All Over Again.......2005-08-03

When I heard the first piece from the first album as a young boy, I was completely hooked. I don't think Wendy could have picked a better song to start with. The power and expansiveness of the Sinfonia is surely what Bach must have heard in his head when he wrote it over 300 years ago.

Honestly, some of the music on these albums is so good you may never hear Bach, Handel, or Scarlatti the same way again.

When I saw this boxed set for sale, I purchased it with a little trepidation, unsure if it would live up to my memory of it and not sure what my wife or daughter would make of it. I'm glad I got it, though. It's a wonderful recording and the two bonus tracks are fun to listen to. In fact, I wish CDs had the same "commentary" tracks that DVDs have as I would have enjoyed hearing more about how this recording was put together.
Bach: Greatest Hits
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Teeming with classics
  • Excellent Introductory CD!
  • Good Introduction to Bach.
  • Bach For Dummies?
  • A super introduction to Bach
 Bach: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
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
ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Concerto GrossiConcerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
FuguesFugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002A1B
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

  1. Cantata No.147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
  2. The Anna Magdalena Notebook, Ang. 114: Minuet
  3. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565: Toccata
  4. Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565: Fugue
  5. Orchestra Suite In D Major, BWV 1068: Air
  6. Orchestral Suite In B Imonr BWV 1067: Badinerie
  7. Cantata No.208: Sheep May Safely Graze
  8. Invention No. 1 In C Major, BWV 772
  9. Magnigicat In D Major, BWV 243: Magnificat
  10. Sleepers, Awake (Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme)
  11. Invention No.4 In D Minor, BWV 775
  12. Invention No.8 In F Major, BWV 779
  13. Concerto For Two Violins, Strings And Basso Continuo In D Minor, BWV 1043: I. Allegro
  14. The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, BWV 846: Prelude In C Major
  15. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No.2 IN F Major, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai
  16. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, BWV 302
  17. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No.3 In G Major, BWV 1048: II. Allegro
  18. Fugue In G Minor, BWV 578, 'Little'
  19. Suite For Lute In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte en Rondeau
  20. Concerto For Harpsichord, Strings And Basso Continuo No.5 In F Minor, BWV 1056: II. Largo
  21. 'In dulci jubilo,' BWV 751
  22. 'Bist du bei mir' (If Thou Be Near): Aria
  23. Italian Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: III. Presto
  24. Sinfonia
  25. 'Goldberg' Variations, BWV 988: Aria da capo

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Teeming with classics.......2007-03-01

I purchased this for track #10, which I'd happened to hear on the radio...it stayed in my head until I tracked down the CD. I have a relatively basic working knowledge of classical music, so this long playing collection was an excellent and surprising introduction to several of Bach's diverse works...both well known and more obscure. Certainly a worthwhile addition to your classical collection.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Introductory CD!.......2006-06-29

This CD is an excellent introduction to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. It's certainly not exhaustive, but it's a start. It also includes pieces from Johann Michael Bach, as well as another composer (whose name escapes me at the moment) whose work was once mistakenly attributed to JSB. This entire series of CDs is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the Classical Masters. Start with this series, and then by all means, delve deeper into their respective repetoires. You won't be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars Good Introduction to Bach........2006-02-27

I don't want to repeat what has been said already but this is a great indroduction to Bach. The variety on this release is good, but like has been said numerous times before, the amount of variety fails to set a single mood. But with a low price and a great deal of variety this is a great CD for those who want to start getting into Bach. Recommended.

4 out of 5 stars Bach For Dummies?.......2002-07-18

A smattering of short excerpts -- many not on their native instruments -- to introduce the great literature left to us by J.S. Bach. Some of the versions are truly inspired, a few are not.

If you like what you hear here, by all means seek out the full-length, original instrument versions!

5 out of 5 stars A super introduction to Bach.......2002-03-04

For someone who knows little about Bach and wants to learn something, you couldn't do better than to give them this CD. Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra give their signature warm, plush sound to the work of the great Johann Sebastian Bach, making him sound very nearly like a Romantic rather than a baroque or classical composer. This is not a bad thing--some complain that Bach, with his mathematical leanings, leaves them cold. That isn't possible with the inviting material on this CD.
Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • One of Parkening's Finest
  • Music that perfectly touches the soul ...
  • The end of a Search
  • Simple, yet delightful, Gifts!
  • Exquisite & Divine
 Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening
Christopher Parkening , Johann Sebastian Bach , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Engelbert Humperdinck , traditional , Gordon Young , John Rowland , Ronald Ravenscroft , and John Hughes
Manufacturer: Angel Records
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
Humperdinck, EngelbertHumperdinck, Engelbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000002SJJ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Cantata No. 29: Praludium
  2. Our Great Savior
  3. God of Grace and God of Glory
  4. Bretheren, We Have Met To Worship
  5. Deep River
  6. Jesus, We Want To Meet
  7. Hanel & Gretel: Evening Prayer
  8. Hymn of Christian Joy
  9. Simple Gifts
  10. Fairest Lord Jesus
  11. Stir Thy Church, O God Our Father
  12. All Creatures of Our God and King
  13. Quartet, Op. 79 No. 3: Variations On 'Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken'
  14. Solemn Vespers, K. 339: Praise Ye The Lord

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of Parkening's Finest.......2007-01-16

A beautiful and contemplative solo guitar recording of hymns, spirituals and other sacred works such as Mozart's Laudate Dominum and Humperdinck's Evening Prayer. Parkening is in exceptional form, the transcriptions are superb, and the recording itself is of the highest quality. Little wonder this has been an enduring classic since its release in the early 1980s.

5 out of 5 stars Music that perfectly touches the soul ..........2005-10-24

Christopher Parkening is the most musically inventive person playing the classical guitar today; you must purchase this CD if you haven't already. It contains exquisitely beautiful hymns & sacred music (arranged perfectly for guitar, I might add) along with Mr. Parkenings masterful transcriptions of works by Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Humperdinck.

Above all, this is music that glorifies God and that was the ultimate purpose of creating this CD.

5 out of 5 stars The end of a Search.......2005-09-23

Classsical guitar is among the top forms of music and Christopher Parkeniong is one of the greatestartists in this genre, if not the best. I had despaired at ever findinding the CD "Simple Pleasures" and was so very pleased to locate it . I am so enjoying it now. I will be back for more as funds permit.

5 out of 5 stars Simple, yet delightful, Gifts!.......2005-02-21

This was one of the first CD's I purchased back in 1988, and I bought it on a whim. Of the hundreds of CD's I now own, including many genres, this one remains in my list of top 10 favorites for a number of reasons.

1. Mr. Parkening plays every song on it with remarkable technical excellence and clearly discernible passion.
2. It includes classical, folksy, and reflective material, which could create a rough flow, but Mr. Parkening moves deftly from mood to mood leaving the listener with a sense of seamless transitions.
3. Although the songs on it are all religious classics they are played without pretense, which makes it accessible to any listener and uplifting for those seeking spiritual refreshment.

In closing, the is one thing "wrong" with this CD is it's too short!

5 out of 5 stars Exquisite & Divine.......2001-02-17

This treasure chest holds such jewels! The cd rushes in with the joyous energy of Bach's Praludium, allows you to reflect and catch your breath on Pritchard's Hyfrydol and Variation, and flows forward with the grace and underlying passion that makes this a precious favorite.
A Bach Festival for Brass & Organ
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Truly a Festival for the Ears, Hearts, and Soul!
  • So You Thought Bach Couldn't Dance!
 A Bach Festival for Brass & Organ
Johann Sebastian Bach , and Empire Brass
Manufacturer: Angel Records
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
PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
OrganOrgan | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Baroque Music for Brass and Organ
  2. Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion
  3. The World Sings: An Empire Brass Christmas
  4. Music Of Gabrieli
  5. Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ

ASIN: B000A9QLB8
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

  1. Jauchzet, frohlocket! (Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248)
  2. Wie will ich mich freuen (Cantata BWV 146, Wir mussen durch viel Trubasal)
  3. Sleepers, Awake! (Cantata BWV 140, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme)
  4. Concerto and Alleluja (Cantata BWV 142, Uns ist ein Kind geboren)
  5. Three Chorales: Nun lob', mein Seel', den Herrn; Wie schon leuchtet der Morgenstern; In dulci jubilo (Brass only)
  6. In dulci julibo, BWV 129 (Organ solo)
  7. Nun danket Alle Gott (Cantata BWV 79, Gott, der Herr is Sonn' und Schild)
  8. Sinfonia (Cantata BWV 29 Wir danken, dir, Gott, wir danken dir)
  9. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Cantata BWV 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben)
  10. Sinfonia (Easter Oratorio, BWV 249)
  11. Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', BWV 664 (Organ solo)
  12. Three Chorales: Allein Gott in der Hoh' sei Ehr', Christ lag in Todesbanden, O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden (Brass only)
  13. Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten (Cantata BWV 78, Jesu, der du meine Seele)
  14. Shee May Safely Graze (Cantata BWV 208, Was mir behagt)
  15. Wir glauben all' in einem Gott, BWV 680 (Organ solo)
  16. A Mighty Fortress is Our God (Cantata BWV 80, Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Truly a Festival for the Ears, Hearts, and Soul!.......2007-01-04

I spent a looooooooong time hunting the "perfect" recordings of "Jesu..." and "Sinfonia" for our wedding. I knew just what I wanted but I had NO IDEA there were so many different (and substandard!) versions of these songs available. THIS one was EXACTLY it. The horns are simply fantastic. If you're a musician, you'll love it.

5 out of 5 stars So You Thought Bach Couldn't Dance!.......2005-12-20

This recording is almost certainly the same as the one listed as Angel 47395, with the same title. Along with several others, I reviewed that CD, and for your convenience I echo my remarks below:

If you think of Bach as a dry-as-dust, longhair composer you should stay away from this album, for it will prove you wrong, time and time and time again. On the contrary, this is one of the most exciting recordings around, featuring matchless performances by the superlative Empire Brass (my favorite brass group) and the talented Douglas Major playing the great Aeolian-Skinner organ of the Washington Cathedral (in D.C.) in some of the best-loved works of the old master, Johann Sebastian Bach.

But unfortunately this disk seems not to be in EMI's (Angel's) current catalog, so if you want to enjoy it, you'll probably have to try to track down a used copy. If you like Bach and brass and organ as much as I, you'll find it worth the effort. And we may hope that it will be reissued again soon.

In general, the music here is lively, tuneful, and joyous in character, starting from the very first selection, a fully satisfying transcription of the well-known "Jauchzet, frohlocket" (Exult, rejoice) from the Christmas Oratorio. But there are a few more somber pieces, such as the chorales "Christ lag in Todesbanden," (Christ lay in the bonds of death) and "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden," (O bloody and wounded head).

The music features basically three kind of excerpts from Bach's cantatas: choral preludes, chorales, and sinfonia. The choral preludes were written as organ introductions to the sung chorales (here "sung" by the brass quintet alone); the sinfonias were instrumental interludes in the cantatas. Most of the choral preludes here are played by the brass with the organ, though there are a few played by the organ alone. This combination of performances by the brass alone, the organ alone, and the two together offers delicious variety.

As a glance at the program will show, most of the big favorites in this genre are included, the best known being titled in English, as "Sleepers, Wake," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," and "Sheep May Safely Graze." The others are titled in Latin ("In Dulci Jubilo") or, mostly, German ("Nun danket Alle Gott," [Now let all thank God], "Wie schn leuchtet der Morgenstern," [How beautifully the morning star shines], and "Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten" [We hasten with feeble, but eager footsteps].

It is the last-mentioned piece that suggested the title of this review, for in interpreting the text Bach and the performing artists give us such a rhythmic and lively bit of music that I find it hard to sit still while listening. This piece rocks!

The recording is excellent in all respects: the balance between organ and brass is right, the sound quality is all you could want, and the acoustics of the Washington Cathedral provide about the right amount of reverberation. (You will, by the way, hear the brass players taking breaths at several points, especially in the chorales.

The sound of the Empire Brass seems uniquely fine to me; though there are several other excellent brass groups around, this one I can usually recognize almost immediately because of the quality of their sound. And the 10,650-pipe cathedral organ presents under Douglas Major's fingers all you could wish for.
Bach: Great Organ Works
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Mockery of Bach
  • Good introduction to Bach organ tunes
  • Caveat Emptor
  • This cd kills me.
  • Good performace, no documentation.
 Bach: Great Organ Works

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Virgil Fox Encores
  2. The Art Of Virgil Fox
  3. Art of Virgil Fox, Vol. 2
  4. Heavy Organ At Carnegie Hall 1973
  5. The Wanamaker Legacy

ASIN: B000003EQQ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Toccata And Fuge In D Minor
  2. 'Little' Fugue In G Minor
  3. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  4. Now Thank We All Our God
  5. Air For The G - String
  6. Sheep May Safely Graze
  7. Cantata No. 156: Arioso
  8. Sleepers, Wake!

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars A Mockery of Bach.......2006-02-18

Fox makes a mockery of Bach's great organ works. Fox should confine his playing to calliope at a carnival. Fox's flamboyance in playing and in his choice of organ stops disrespects Bach's work and genius.

3 out of 5 stars Good introduction to Bach organ tunes.......2003-12-25

This CD is probably a good introduction to school children on some popular organ works by Bach. The first work "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" will be immediately familiar to anyone who has ever gone to a haunted house. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is another familiar tune and done quite prettily. "Now Thank We All Our God" is churchy. The rest of the CD tracks 4-8 seem too sleepy for me. The last one is "Sleepers, Wake!", at least he tried, ha ha.

3 out of 5 stars Caveat Emptor.......2003-12-14

Virgil Fox (1912-1980) was, with E. Power Biggs, one of the best known organists of the 1950s and 1960s. But any resemblance to Biggs, Biggs' preferences in organs and music, and Biggs' style of playing, ends there; two organists could hardly have been less alike. For many Fox became a byword for razzle-dazzle, crowd-pleasing organ showmanship that was long on virtuosity and short on taste. The Harvard Biographical Dictionary of Music says of him: "As organist at Riverside Church in New York, 1946-65, he became a tourist attraction. During the late 1960s his penchant for flamboyant showmanship and oratory enabled him to reach out to a new generation, touring with an electronic organ and a psychedelic light show." I regret to say that this description fits my mental image of Fox as the vulgar and garish "Mr. Showbiz" of the organ and self-styled proponent of "heavy organ," a kind of flashy Las Vegas type touring with his electronic organ and psychedelic light show. Ugh! But that image is probably unjust, certainly incomplete. He had legions of fans, and in his own way he was a proselytizer and got many people interested in the organ who otherwise might not have been. Those who admired him found him a colorful, unconventional, creative player who made interesting, offbeat choices in registrations and interpretive decisions.

As Bach programs go this is a pretty hackneyed one, limited to standard chestnuts ("Bach's Greatest Hits"), but at least it's all Bach, instead of the treacly stuff Fox sometimes liked to play and record. This CD has the advantage of being a budget-priced cheapie, but the offsetting disadvantage of being only 40:23 long. As you might expect of a cheapie CD like this one, there are no notes (no information about Fox, the music, or the organs, other than simply identifying them) and no information about recording dates. The issue date of the CD looks like 1988; the CD itself bears a copyright date of 1974; this just may be about the date of the recordings, which are identified as analog. I suppose we should be grateful that RCA took the trouble to identify the organs Fox was playing. The first two selections (the most substantial ones) were recorded on the Royal Albert Hall organ, London; all the rest on the Riverside Church organ, NYC, which for so long was home base for Fox. Both are enormous organs. I am an organ buff and a Bach buff, and must admit that I am not fond of Bach played on enormous organs like these. Biggs and others have demonstrated long since that Bach goes better on smaller organs (in smaller spaces) that emphasize clarity and articulation than on huge instruments (in huge spaces) that emphasize grandeur, power, volume of sound, reverberation. I don't care much for the sound of either of these two huge organs, at least as we hear them here, and by today's standards neither would recommend itself as a good choice for Bach.

So how does the CD stack up? The engineering is not bad at all, really quite listenable: highs are not the smoothest or sweetest in town; bass is surprisingly full and deep. The Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, that ubiquitous warhorse, gets a performance that is very free, with heavy, exaggerated contrasts in dynamics (Fox goes in for some echo effects) and tempo (a good deal of arbitrary taffy-pulling of tempos, it seems to me). It certainly is "different" and doubtless will make purists cringe, but it's entertaining (you wonder what he's going to pull out of his bag of tricks next) and on its own terms I suppose it's effective. Dull it ain't. The "Little" Fugue is heavily but impressively done. I found it the best performance on the CD.

After the first two pieces, my interest in this recital flagged rapidly. Some of the remaining slighter fare ("favorite Bach tunes") are played with registrations that to my ears are too "churchy" sounding, and some of them made me feel like I'd stepped into the undertaker's chapel.

Overall I found this to be "heavy organ" indeed--ponderous, bloated, outdated Bach, historically uninformed and with good taste in short supply. (Alas, I fear I'm never going to make a Virgil Fox fan.) This CD is best recommended to admirers of this organist. If you are looking for a good introduction to Bach, or a recommendable sampling of his best organ works, I'm afraid this isn't it. (Try E. Power Biggs, Peter Hurford, Michael Murray, Marie-Claire Alain, Christopher Herrick.)

2 out of 5 stars This cd kills me........2003-06-13

Yeah, it's pretty music, but its so inaccurately interpretted, it hurts my ears. The colors he chooses for T&F and for the G-minor are somewhat acceptable, but oh man, what kind of articulation esp. on the little fugue? And then on the slow movements like the Ariso and Air on the G-string, I thought I was at Fenway Park or something. Baroque music has a very distinct style, and though Mr. Fox hits all the right notes and plays with expression, it is not Bach! A previous reviewer said it was the most fresh version of Toccata and Fugue in D-minor. That is actually one of the few Bach pieces that has room for using different colors, and most recordings I've heard interpret it the right way. (actually Bach probably didn't even write most it anyway, though it was acredited to him). Bach is probably rolling over in his grave now because of this cd, as are all 9000 of his children. The reason the organ is exciting is because it can sound different, depending on the kind of music you are playing...playing Bach is its own style, one different from Buxtehude, Couperin, Mendelssohn, Franck, or what have you; one which scholars have spent years studying and perfecting, and here is a motion that destroys everyone's hard work for all those years. You don't have to make up your own way of playing standard repetoire to create an illusion; just play a more varied program so that you can say "yeah, this is bach, and then this stuff is still great, but not Bach." Sorry if I sound overly conservative, but if you want to play like he does, save it for more contemporary music...Bach is Bach, he is the master, and you play bach like you are supposed to, not like this.

4 out of 5 stars Good performace, no documentation........2003-04-11

Virgil Fox was certainly one of the great organists of his century! This performance is a good example Virgil's mega-organ approach to Bach (and everything else). It greatly contrasts with the "historically informed" instruments and performances we are used to today.

One complaint is that the cd includes no documentation aside from the list of tracks. There is no organ description or stoplist (although a quick search on google will yield this). There is no essay on the performance or biographical information about the organist. The photo on the front cover doesn't relate to the recording in any way. Certainly, this recording could have been more thoughtfully prepared.

Then again, you can beat the price.
Midnight at Notre-Dame [Hybrid SACD]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The sounds inside the Notre-Dame are fantastic!!!
  • Beware: This review is biased.
  • Outbursts of Joy!
  • A remarkable CD of organ transcriptions.
  • 'An extraordinary sonic experience' - I agree!
 Midnight at Notre-Dame [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00022URKE
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The sounds inside the Notre-Dame are fantastic!!!.......2007-07-20

The sounds inside the Cathedral of Notre-Dame are great! There's nothing better than cathedral for the classical music specially for the Bach's! And when is recorded in SACD the sound quality is superb!

3 out of 5 stars Beware: This review is biased........2006-05-04

The sound quality is superb. The selected transcriptions were interesting and appropriate. The surround mix is great. Mr. Latry plays with a lot of feeling and confidence.

Why I included the bias warning: I just don't personally like the sound of the Cathedral de Notre-Dame. To my ears, it doesn't produce the same tones as the classic German organs (the Trost Organ in Waltershausen, Germany and the Cathedral at Freiburg come to mind)...it almost sounds Overly upgraded and modernized. Like I said, my comments are as a result of my personal listening preferences. Others may disagree.

5 out of 5 stars Outbursts of Joy!.......2004-10-16

If Messiaen's Transports de joie was on here it would truly be an outburst of joy. But, he already did that on a complete Messiaen disc! It was thrilling to hear Olivier Latry in recital - now I can hear him in the comfort of home playing many of the pieces on the recital program 'from memory'. The Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff were impressive live and recorded. The sound is remarkably crystal clear and sounds incredible on a BOSE system. My first purchase of music on Amazon.com and a new satisfied customer I am.

5 out of 5 stars A remarkable CD of organ transcriptions........2004-09-22

The superlatives for this CD must begin with the recorded sound, certainly the best (and most realistic) pipe organ reproduction I believe I've ever heard over a period of many years of listening to such recordings. This recording is a hybrid SACD that contains two layers and three sets of signals (SACD surround sound and SACD stereo in one layer and "conventional" CD audio in the other). Even the conventional CD audio signal (which is the only one I can evaluate at present) surpasses anything I've heard in terms of organ reproduction. And this is no ordinary organ: Nominally a Cavaillé-Coll organ dating from the 1860s, and then augmented in 1932, with yet further upgrades in 1963 and again in 1992, it is among the finest organs in the world. And it is in one of the most famous venues of all: The Cathedral de Notre-Dame in Paris. (The technical details at the back of the booklet state that the Cathedral has had an organ dating back as far as 1402, but it was with the Cavaillé-Coll effort that it reached its full bloom and fame.) Even in "ordinary" stereo CD reproduction, the sound field seems perfect; the frequency range is awesome, with rock-solid bass from the 32' pipes and sweet reproduction of the flute stops, with never a hint of background noise from what must be a prodigious air-handling system for the 110 stops that are part of the organ.

Despite the three stages of 20th century modernization, the organ remains, in terms of its voicing, a paragon of the "Romantic symphonic aesthetic" that was common for its late-19th century time. And the works presented in this album typify that sensibility, even if it did encroach into the early part of the 20th century. All are transcriptions of works for other instruments and forces, and all but one of these transcriptions have been done by French organists/composers who were well-known (Marcel Dupré, Maurice Duruflé, Jean Guillou, Louis Vierne) and not so well-known (Henri Busser, Henri Messerer). The "odd man out" in the collection is Franz Liszt (no mean organist himself), who transcribed Wagner's "Pilgrims' Chorus" from "Tannhäuser," but not in a way that can be said to be a stylistic anomaly relative to the other transcriptions.

The album opens and closes with pairs of transcriptions of works by J. S. Bach, concluding with a marvelous transcription of Bach's famous Chaconne from his Partita for Solo Violin, BWV 1004 by Henri Messerer, certainly not as famous as Dupré, Duruflé, Guillou or Vierne but well up to the task set out here. In fact, it is, for me, one of the clear highlights of the album. (The Bach Chaconne certainly didn't lack for transcriptions for other instruments as well, with Ferruccio Busoni's transcription for piano being perhaps the most famous. But I must say that I like this Messerer transcription for organ.)

A work that I thought couldn't work as an organ transcription (Mozart's Adagio & Fugue in C minor, K. 548) actually is a surprise success in a transcription by Guillou. And Liszt's "Pilgrims' Chorus" transcription is sensitively done, without the slightest bombast that one might expect.

Somewhat less successful is Busser's transcription of Berlioz's Marche hongroise (Rákóczy March) from "La Damnation de Faust." I think it demands the orchestral color and percussion that Berlioz had scored for the work, and loses a bit in the translation.

The famous Rachmaninoff Prelude (op. 3 no. 2) receives an interesting transcription by Vierne, one that brings out the darkness in the work that can evade a pianist. In fact, it is almost, in this transcription, lugubrious by comparison. But the transcription is splendidly voiced, and shows off the coloration possibilities - and the 32' stops - of this remarkable organ.

A total surprise, and probably my favorite track second only to the Bach Chaconne, is a transcription by Guillou of Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Toccata, op. 11. Perhaps the technical tour de force of the entire album, it is ghostly yet with incredibly fleet passage work, requiring virtuosic finger (and foot) work.

Olivier Latry, the Notre-Dame organist, handles all the challenges (hands, feet, stops) thrown at him with aplomb and plays with what can only be described as stylistic accuracy. He is, in a phrase, one fine organist. And he has the benefit of one of the world's finest organs, and some of the best recorded sound I've ever heard.

One last, if minor, point. This is my very first hybrid SACD from Universal (Deutsche Grammophon, Philips, Decca), and I notice that the jewel box, while no bigger than standard jewel boxes, seems to be more robustly made and much less prone to breakage where the front-cover hinge pins engage the CD carrier. I hope that this is the beginning of a positive trend; two decades worth of busted jewel boxes is more than any mere mortal need bear.

Bob Zeidler

4 out of 5 stars 'An extraordinary sonic experience' - I agree!.......2004-08-31

'An extraordinary sonic experience' says DG, and right they are. Not sure how many organ multi-channel SACDs there are out there, but this is the first one I've heard. I'd rate it 4.5 stars if I could, for the slight caveats below.

I listened on a mid-high end system of Sony SACD player, Harman Kardon multi-channel amp, through 5 speakers (Mission floorstanding fronts, and Miller & Kreisler centre and rears), with a Yamaha subwoofer.

It really is a wonderful sound, transforming my listening room into the interior of Notre-Dame, sonically at least! I particularly like the skilful use of the rears, providing the cathedral's ambience and acoustic 'overhang' - which you hear most impressively at the end of the fabulous Berlioz Hungarian March, passing almost overhead as the reverberation slowly decays.

The Bach pieces come across beautifully, as does the Liszt transcription of the Pilgrims' Chorus from Wagner's Tannhauser (which is fairly gentle and atmospheric).

However I'm not sure the two 20th century pieces (both under 5 minutes in length) really work: the famous Rachmaninov piano Prelude op.3 No.2 starts atmospherically (although at a much slower tempo so that it sounds like a different work really), but during the cataclysmic central passage the clarity of the piano is lost in a blaze of sound - although it does sound impressive.

Similarly I'm not sure Guillou's transcription of Prokofiev's Toccata was worth doing at all, as the motoric style loses some point on the organ with its uniformity of dynamics, and the composer's jarring intervals sound bizarre on the organ.

The disc's 61 minute playing time is concluded with by far the longest work, a lovely transcription of the famous Chaconne from Bach's Violin Partitia BWV 1004 which works up to a breathtaking climax in the coda.

I recommend this release wholeheartedly, even if (like me) you are not an organ fan: many of the works are well known, and the disc could become your favourite demonstration SACD!
Baroque For Brides To Be: A Musical Bouquet for Your Wedding Day
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Definitely worth a close look!
  • A Perfect Gift
  • Great Music
  • Baroque for Brides-to-be
 Baroque For Brides To Be: A Musical Bouquet for Your Wedding Day

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Giordani, GiuseppeGiordani, Giuseppe | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Classical Wedding
  2. 25 Wedding Favorites
  3. The Ultimate Wedding Album
  4. Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers
  5. Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

ASIN: B0000041NF
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

  1. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
  2. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Concerto In D Minor - Siciliano
  3. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Water Music Suite No.1 - Air
  4. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Oboe Concerto In D Minor - Adagio
  5. Pre-Wedding, Signing Of The Registry And General Music: Orchestral Suite, No.3 In D - Air
  6. Ombra mai fu (Xerxes)
  7. Prelude To The Ceremony: Caro mio ben
  8. Prelude To The Ceremony: Bist du bei mir (Thou art Near)
  9. Prelude To The Ceremony: Sich uben im Lieben ('Wedding' Cantata No.202)
  10. Prelude To The Ceremony: Let The Bright Seraphim (Samson)
  11. Prelude To The Ceremony: Trumpet Voluntary
  12. Prelude To The Ceremony: Canon In D
  13. Whrer'er You Walk (Semele)
  14. Recessional: The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
  15. Recessional: Water Music: Alla Hornpipe
  16. Recessional: Cantata No.29 - Sinfonia In D
  17. Recessional: Rondeay (Suite No.1 - 'Masterpiece Theater' Theme)
  18. Recessional: Cantata No.51 - Alleluia
  19. Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin)
  20. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March (A Midsummer's Night Dream)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Definitely worth a close look!.......2004-06-22

All of the songs on this CD are beautiful, and the CD is even labeled showing their choice of music dedicated to different parts of a wedding, but you don't have to use them as suggested. I arrived to Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary, less traditional than Wagner's Lohengrin but no less thrilling, and I thought it appropriate given the setting of a late a.m. garden wedding. We made our hasty exit to Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, which I have loved since I was a little girl and even though is called "'Arrival' of the Queen of Sheba", it was my wedding and I did it the way I wanted. Do it YOUR way, to music YOU love. It's your day! Good luck!!!!

5 out of 5 stars A Perfect Gift.......2001-07-12

I love this cd! I actually own "Baroque for Bathtime" which is why I thought of this cd for my future sister-in-law. I think it will make a perfect little pre-wedding gift!

4 out of 5 stars Great Music.......2000-02-23

I love this cd! Its probably one of the better buys I made concerning my wedding. Like most people, I have no idea what classical music is appropriate for a wedding, and for the wedding I hope to have. Listening to this cd has helped me make more intelligent choices and be more informed especially when I'm dealing with the church music director. I feel more confident knowing that I am familiar with the choices before me.

The renditions of the music is wonderful too. I always thought the Bridal Chorus from Lohegrin too "common" but listening to the orchestra and choir on this cd has changed my mind--its a beautiful interpretation of the song that's sure to bring a tear or two.

3 out of 5 stars Baroque for Brides-to-be.......1999-12-04

Short and sweet: I am looking for wedding music to be played while guests are being seated, and I'm only having 2 songs sung by actual vocalists. Just listening to the music for reviewing is enough to bring tears to my eyes. My wedding is coming up in April 2000, so there is a lot of emotion going on inside of this bride-to-be. All in all, so far it is a beautiful album.

Track Listings:

  1. Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Schumann: Piano Concerto
  2. British Light Music Discoveries, Vol. 4
  3. Bruckner: Symphony No. 6 / Orchestral Lieder/Various
  4. Caccini: Le Nuove Musiche [Import]
  5. Chosen Tunes: Grace Cathedral
  6. Clerk: Odo di mesto intorno; Dic mihi saeve puer
  7. Coloratura Opera Arias [Import]
  8. Concerto for Sitar & Orchestra [Import] [Live]
  9. Copland:Billy the Kid/Rodeo
  10. Désiré-Emile Inghelbrecht Conducts Debussy

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Fiesta del Sol

Liszt: Hungarian Fantasy/Orchestral Favorites

Mod Box [Box set]

Impulsive! Revolutionary Jazz Reworked

40 Watt Fade

Old Skoolin' [Box set]

Movin' Out (Based on the Songs and Music of Billy Joel) (2002 Original Broadway Cast) [Live] [Soundtrack]

Little Robbers

Never Apologize Never Explain [Import]

Johannes Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4

Live at Jazz Standard [Hybrid SACD] [Live] [Import]

Llevame Contigo

La Unica

Boogie Woogie

Totally R&B