Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 5 & 6

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This is one of those irritating collections put together to satisfy a record company's special needs rather than the consumer's. These are the orchestral recordings Anne-Sophie Mutter made for EMI during an interlude in her ongoing relationship with Deutsche Grammophon. Aside from the LP length of each CD, though, it's hard to complain about any of the material. Mutter's Bach (with a strong assist from Salvatore Accardo) is stylish and touching; ditto her Mozart; and the Romantic showpieces (the Lalo in its complete edition) are outgoing and passionate. It may be hard to figure out where to file this set, but all the contents are worth hearing. --Leslie Gerber

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 5 & 6,Johann Sebastian Bach,Neville Marriner,Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields,Angel Records,Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra,Classical,Classical Music,Concerto,Concerto Grosso,Orchestral

Average customer rating: Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations

The Violinist Yehudi Menuhin , Johann Sebastian Bach , Bela Bartok , Ludwig van Beethoven , Alban Berg , Johannes Brahms , Max Bruch , Arcangelo Corelli , Edward Elgar , Franz Joseph Haydn , Edouard Lalo , Felix Mendelssohn , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Carl Nielsen , Niccolo Paganini , Camille Saint-Saens , Jean Sibelius , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Michael Tippett , Henri Vieuxtemps , Antonio Vivaldi , William Walton , Alberto Lysy , Anatole Fistoulari , Antal Dorati , Anthony Bernard , Gaston Poulet , John Pitchard , Mogens Woldike , Pierre Boulez , and Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berg | Berg, Alban | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruch | Bruch, Max | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Lalo, Edouard | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Nielsen | Nielsen, Carl | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Paganini, Niccolò | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tippett | Tippett, Michael | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vieuxtemps | Vieuxtemps, Henri | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia Concertante | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet The Glory of Rostropovich: 80th Birthday Tribute Schubert: 8 Symphonies Heifetz Showpieces ASIN: B0000BWTKJ Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

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

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

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

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

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

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Average customer rating: A worthy "sequal" to #1-4

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 5 & 6; Orchestral Suite No. 2 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-4 Copland: Appalachian Spring/Fanfare For The Common Man/El Salón México/Danzón Cubano ASIN: B00000IOM6 Release Date: 1999-04-20

Tracks:

1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D, BWV 1050: Affettuso
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In B Flat, BWV 1051: Allegro
5. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In B Flat, BWV 1051: Adagio ma non troppo
6. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In B Flat, BWV 1051: Allegro
7. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Grave - Allegro
8. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Rondo (Allegro)
9. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Sarabande
10. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Bourree I - Bourree II
11. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Polonaise (Moderato)
12. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Menuet (Allegretto) - Badinerie (Allegro)

Customer Reviews:

A worthy "sequal" to #1-4.......2000-01-11

So, here we have the 5th and 6th Brandenburg concertos. This is acutally a "sequal" to #1-4 (also by Schwarz and the LA Chamber Orchestra) which makes me wonder why this wasn't made as a 2CD set. But that's the only minor drawback besides the rather unusual track numbering on the movements. So why not get BOTH CDs and you'll have a fine budget set of Brandenburg Concertos on modern instruments (it's worth twice the price, too!). The Orchestral Suite #2 is a fine addition to the set. I wonder if they also did the other 3 suites...

Average customer rating: Excellent Baroque collection - everyone should have this! Entry level baroque

Baroque Festival Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000003QWD Release Date: 1994-10-18

Tracks:

1. Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
2. Canon In D Major
3. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Spring' In E Major, No. 1: Allegro
4. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Spring' In E Major, No. 1: Largo e pianissimo sempre
5. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Spring' In E Major, No. 1: Allegro: Rustic Dance
6. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Summer' In G Minor, No. 2: Allegro non molto
7. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Summer' In G Minor, No. 2: Adagio: Presto
8. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Summer' In G Minor, No. 2: Presto: Impetuous Summer Storm
9. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Fall' In F Minor, No. 3: Dancing &Singing Of The Peasants: Allegro
10. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Fall' In F Minor, No. 3: The Sleeping Drunkards: Adagio
11. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Fall' In F Minor, No. 3: The Hunt: Allegro
12. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Winter' In F Minor, No. 4: Allegro non molto
13. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Winter' In F Minor, No. 4: Largo
14. The Four Seasons, Op. 8 'The Winter' In F Minor, No. 4: Allegro
15. Toccatta And Fugue In D Minor, BMV 565
16. Xerxes: Largo
17. Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Andante e spiccato
18. Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
19. Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Presto
20. Gigue

Tracks:

1. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: (Allegro)
2. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: Andante
3. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 2 In F Major, BWV 1047: Allegro assai
4. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3 In G Major, BWV 1048: (Allegro)
5. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3 In G Major, BWV 1048: Allegro
6. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BWV 1050: Allegro
7. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BWV 1050: Affettuoso
8. 'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BWV 1050: Allegro
9. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
10. 'Messiah': Overture
11. 'Messiah': Comfort ye
12. 'Messiah': Every Valley
13. 'Messiah': And The Glory Of The Lord
14. 'Messiah': Glory To God
15. 'Messiah': Hallelujah!
16. 'Messiah': And The Trumpet Shall Sound

Tracks:

1. 'Water Music' Suite: Overture
2. 'Water Music' Suite: Adagio
3. 'Water Music' Suite: Allegro; Andante; Allegro
4. 'Water Music' Suite: Minuet
5. 'Water Music' Suite: Air
6. 'Water Music' Suite: Minuet
7. 'Water Music' Suite: Bourree
8. 'Water Music' Suite: Hornpipe
9. 'Water Music' Suite: Allegro moderato
10. Royal Fireworks Music: Overture
11. Royal Fireworks Music: Bourree
12. Royal Fireworks Music: 'The Peace:' Largo alla Sicillana
13. Royal Fireworks Music: La Rejouissance: Allegro
14. Royal Fireworks Music: Minuet
15. Royal Fireworks Music: Minuet
16. Rondeau
17. Tune In D major
18. Arioso for Brass
19. Allegro for Brass
20. Prelude And Fugue In C Major, BWV 846
21. Sleepers, Wake

Tracks:

1. Trumpet Voluntary
2. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Ouverture
3. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Rondeau
4. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Sarabande
5. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Bourree
6. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Polonaise: Lentement
7. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Menuet
8. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Badinerie
9. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Ouverture (Grave; Allegro)
10. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Courante
11. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Gavotte
12. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Forlane
13. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Menuet
14. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Bourree
15. Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C Major, BWV 1066: Passepied
16. Air For The 'G' String
17. Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Allegro marziale
18. Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Canzona
19. Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Largo
20. Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Allegro maestoso
21. Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Adagio
22. Symphony from 'The Fairy Queen' Act Four: Allegro maestoso
23. 'A Hero's Music': La Vaillance
24. 'A Hero's Music': La Grace
25. 'A Hero's Music': L'Armenet
26. Joy To The World

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Baroque collection - everyone should have this!.......2002-06-18

This is a remarkable collection of Baroque music. I've heard a lot of Baroque music and I am very discriminating about performance and sound quality. This set is a winner and a fantastic bargain... Somehow they've managed to choose what is truly "best" from the period (for example I've always felt Bach's Brandenburg Concertos # 2, 3, 5 were the best of the six, while 1,4,6 were relatively weaker - and lo and behold this collection includes 2,3,and 5) while missing very little if anything that "should have" been here (of course a 10 or 12 CD collection would have been even better, but you have to stop somewhere).

The performances here are excellent, and the recording quality is very high. I disagree with the person who claims this isn't "audiophile quality", because I don't think it could get much better unless it were on another medium such as SACD. I didn't particularly notice coughing on Handel's "Messiah" but Messiah fans would likely prefer a complete performance of that particular work anyway (the excerpts from Messiah here are complete pieces, but this set doesn't include the entire 2 hour or whatever Messiah). These do not sound like "outtakes", what kind of a comment is that? Somebody worked very hard to put this collection together, and they did a fantastic job (and I have zero affiliation with this, I just feel the truth as I see it should be told).

Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is presented in it's entirety (ok, it's not the entire Vivaldi Opus 8, but it is the entire Four Seasons as normally found on any "Four Seasons" CD). There are so many great works here, which a lot of people will recognize even if they didn't know the actual piece or composer (or even that it was from the Baroque era). There's even the Mouret fanfare made famous as the "Masterpiece Theater" theme music. Yes this is a great "introduction" at a great price - which might get people to explore Baroque music further, but it's also a fairly complete collection which will suit a lot of people as such (i.e. for everyone who appreciates most any type of music these works should be "essential", but also the 4 CD collection might be all that a casual listener would "need" from the Baroque era). I feel that most people would be thrilled with this set; about the only way it might have been better would be to include information about each piece and about the Baroque era in general (there is no "text" at all with this set).

Entry level baroque.......2001-01-11

Nice cheap way to get into Baroque music. Unfortunately it's not the best recording you can get but it should be adequate enough for a non-audiophile. I've been unable to bring myself to listening to it again since I noticed that someone coughs in the background (very noticeably) during Handel's Messiah. Wonder if this is an outtakes CD.

Average customer rating: Beautiful! Excellent performance by the Amsterdam Trio Overall good quality music.

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 2, 3, 5 & 6 Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons ASIN: B000003EPU Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Con No.6 in B-Flat, BWV 1051: Allegro Moderato
2. Con No.6 in B-Flat, BWV 1051: Adagio Ma Non Tanto
3. Con No.6 in B-Flat, BWV 1051: Allegro
4. Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: Allegro
5. Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: Adagio
6. Con No.3 in G, BWV 1048: Allegro
7. Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
8. Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: Affetuoso
9. Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: Allegro
10. Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: Allegro Moderato
11. Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: Andante
12. Con No.2 in F, BWV 1047: Allegro Assai

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful!.......2003-08-08

If you like Bach - and you like good guitar music - you'll love this CD. The Amsterdam Trio are a very talented group. It's beautiful!

Excellent performance by the Amsterdam Trio.......1999-01-27

The whole CD is well performed. However, the 5th concerto suffers from a balance problem. When the harpsicord plays the other instruments dissapear into the background. This would have easily been a five star recording if that was addressed.

Any serious Bach or Brandenburg enthusiast, or someone desiring a some good night music/background music should have this album in their collection.

Overall good quality music........1998-12-27

All 3 movements of Bradenburg Concerto #6 lends itself very well to rendition with guitar. Listening to it is a pleasure. Movement #1 of concerto #5 is a disappointment. It is a great piece of music but is not well rendered by guitar. The other concertos fall somewhere in between. Overall, I think that this a very good quality CD and is well worth the purchase.

Average customer rating: The perfect gift Suberb Recording of Masterpiece Brandenburg Concertos

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4, 5, 6 Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Academy of St. Martin in the Fields | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos.1, 2 & 3 A State of Wonder: The Complete Goldberg Variations (1955 & 1981) Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 1 Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 ASIN: B0000040VN Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Brandenburg Con No.4 in G, BWV 1049: 1. Allegro - Szeryng/Petri/Selin
2. Brandenburg Con No.4 in G, BWV 1049: 2. Andante-3. Presto - Szeryng/Petri/Selin
3. Brandenburg Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: 1. Allegro - Szeryng/Rampal/Malcolm
4. Brandenburg Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: 2. Affettuoso - Szeryng/Rampal/Malcolm
5. Brandenburg Con No.5 in D, BWV 1050: 3. Allegro - Szeryng/Rampal/Malcolm
6. Brandenburg Con No.6 in B-flat, BWV 1051: 1. - Shingles/Best/Nesbitt/Sansom/Toll/Vigay
7. Brandenburg Con No.6 in B-flat, BWV 1051: 2. Adagio, ma non tanto - Shingles/Best/Nesbitt/Sansom/Toll/Vigay
8. Brandenburg Con No.6 in B-flat, BWV 1051: 3. Allegro - Shingles/Best/Nesbitt/Sansom/Toll/Vigay

Amazon.com

This first-rate set of Brandenburg Concertos (with its companion containing Concertos 1, 2, and 3) offers stylish, mostly modern-instrument performances that remain faithful to the spirit of Bach's scores--recorders are used in No. 4, harpsichord in No. 5, and viols in No. 6--while exploiting the brilliant timbre of 20th century strings. In 1980, Sir Neville Marriner was one of the gods of Baroque and classical period music, and this disc shows why. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

The perfect gift.......2006-03-19

I had the record sent as a gift to my daughter who had never heard any of the Brandenburg Concerti--and considered Bach "square." I received an ecstatic long e-mail after she heard this performance. "I'm in love!" she wrote. "I absolutely love this record. I listen to it over and over. It sounds like bells and birds!I didn't understand that Bach's music was like this."

Suberb Recording of Masterpiece Brandenburg Concertos.......2004-01-24

This CD is one of the best recordings I have heard of the Brandenburg Concertos, and I have heard many. Masterful! Sir Neville Marriner has one of the most distinguished careers in classical music, and my experience is that his CD's are almost always an excellent choice.

Also, Brandenburg concerto #3 on the companion CD is just astonishing.

Average customer rating: Sparkling performances of Bach concerto's

J.S. Bach - Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4,5,6 & Organ Concerto Johann Sebastian Bach , Roy Goodman , Ton Koopman , and Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Koopman, Ton | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000005E4V Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

1. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 - G major - BWV 1049: Allegro
2. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 - G major - BWV 1049: Andante
3. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 - G major - BWV 1049: Presto
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 - D major - BWV 1050: Allegro
5. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 - D major - BWV 1050: Affettuoso
6. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 - D major - BWV 1050: Allegro
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 - B flat major - BWV 1051: Allegro Moderato
8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 - B flat major - BWV 1051: Adagio Ma Non Tanto
9. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 - B flat major - BWV 1051: Allegro
10. Organ Concerto BWV 1059 - No. 8 - D minor: Sinfonia
11. Organ Concerto BWV 1059 - No. 8 - D minor: Aria
12. Organ Concerto BWV 1059 - No. 8 - D minor: Sinfonia: presto

Amazon.com

After about half a dozen years in limbo, Ton Koopman's marvelous 1983 readings with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra are back on the shelf at mid-price, though still on two single discs. The accent in these elegant, flowing performances is on variety--in the texture, in the ornamentation, and in matters of phrasing and articulation. The executants' voicing of the counterpoint is quite effective, as is their pointing of rhythm, which underscores the fact that so much of this music comes from the dance. Erato's sound is quite appealing, though the discs have been mastered at a rather high level. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Sparkling performances of Bach concerto's.......2000-06-27

When I wanted a CD version of these concerto's I listened to three versions: Koopman, Il Giardino Armonico and Hogwood. All of them have some pro's and cons. Il Giardino gives some crisp performances (particular in concert no. 3). Hogwood is interesting, as he and his band play earlier versions of some concertos, but if you do not already have a CD with these concerts it will not be the most obvious choice. In particular since you miss the lengthy candenza of no. 5.

The overall most satisfying version was for me Koopman and his ABO. His performances are very alive and his continuo playing is imaginative. The soloist, including Koopman himself and other well known baroque specialist, are excellent What made me above all choose this version is the way he performs the cadenza in no. 5, one of the most dramatic accounts I have heard. Here he really leaves behind Il Giardino, as its harpischordist plays the solo rather unfocused.

There are of course other good versions on the market and I have not heard them all, but Koopman is a very good choice and probably for a price the best you can get. The recording sound is excellent.

Average customer rating:

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 2 & 5; Wedding Cantata Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Levine, James | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B000EHQ8CI Release Date: 2006-03-28

Average customer rating: High marks for Casals' Bach THE VIRILE, RICH-BLOODED BACH! The best recordings I've ever heard of the Brandeburg Authentic recordings refreshingly intimate and musical performances

Bach: The Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4-6; Orchestral Suite No.4 Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Casals, Pablo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Harrell, Lynn | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: The Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3; Orchestral Suite No. 1 Bach: Orchestral Suites 2 & 3, Goldberg Canons Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8 Bach J.S: Brandenburg Concertos Voice of the Violin ASIN: B00000275R Release Date: 1990-10-10

Tracks:

1. Branden Concerto No. 4 In G Major, BMV 1049: I: Allegro
2. Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Major, BWV 1049: II: Andante
3. Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Major, BWV 1049: III: Presto
4. Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D Major, BMV 1050: I: Allegro
5. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major, BWV 1050: II:Affettuoso
6. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major, BWV 1050: III: Allegro
7. Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 In B-Flat Major BMV 1051: I: (Allegro)
8. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 In B-Flat Major, BWV 1051: II: Adagio ma non tanto
9. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 In B-Flat Major, BWV 1051: III: Allegro
10. Orchestral Suite No.4 In D Major, BWV 1069: I: Ouverture
11. Orchestral Suite No.4 In D Major, BWV 1069: II: Bouree I; Bouree II
12. Orchestral Suite No.4 In D Major, BWV 1069: III: Gavotte
13. Orchestral Suite No.4 In D Major, BWV 1069: IV: Menuet I; Menuet II
14. Orchestral Suite No.4 In D Major, BWV 1069: V: Rejouissance

Customer Reviews:

High marks for Casals' Bach.......2005-08-21

I give Pablo Casals' recordings of Bach's BRANDENBURG CONCERTOS the highest marks - 5 stars - for great playing, sensible tempos, soul and passion. Nothing is overdone, and this is a real antidote to the sanitized, prissy performances of these works so popular today, largely by the period instrument crowd.

For my thoughts on Casals' Bach, see my review for ORCHESTRAL SUITES 2 and 3 by Casals/Marlboro Festival Orchestra. The same applies here: highest recommendation.

THE VIRILE, RICH-BLOODED BACH!.......2005-01-31

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

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

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

The best recordings I've ever heard of the Brandeburg.......2000-03-25

I love Bach, and I particularly love the Brandeburg Concertos, and I've never heard a recording of them as good as this one. The sound quality is also first rate. Even if you already own a recording of the Brandenburg Concertos you owe it to yourself to buy this one.

Authentic recordings.......1999-11-06

Forget about Harnoncourt, Herreveghe, Norrington etc. The Casals recordings are more authentic than any of the recent versions. You don't know your Bach if you haven't listened to these perfomances, conducted by the maybe greatest musicien of the 20th century, Pau Casals.

refreshingly intimate and musical performances.......1999-06-18

These recordings were all made at the Marlboro festive in the 1950s. The emphasis at the festival is very much on considered rehearsal and on thinking and talking about the music being played. Only after the performers felt this process to have achieved as much as it was going to is a work performed or recorded. This very much comes through in the recordings here. Every phrase is beautifully played and articulated and the overall impression is of deeply cerebral performances. Serkin's account of the keyboard part in the 5th concerto has incredible poise and lyricism.

Average customer rating: Great series Well done, but narrow.

Classics Explained: Brandenburg Concertos 4 & 5 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Classics Explained: Pastoral Symphony An Introduction to Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" An Introduction to Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 Classics Explained: Rite of Spring Life & Works of Bach ASIN: B0000666A9 Release Date: 2002-07-16

Tracks:

1. The Brandenburgs As Concerti Grossi
2. Introduction: Melody, Theme And Motif; Bach's Opening Gambit
3. Onwards And Upwards: Motif No.2 And Its Function
4. The Two Elements Of Motif No.2 And The Effect Of Their Combination
5. The 'Motto' Rhythm Hidden Even Within The Opening Bar
6. Motif No.3, Introduced By The Two Recorders, Has A Kind Of 'Hovering' Character; It's Repetition In Rising Sequences
7. Motif No.3, Repeated For A Second, 'Directed' Listen
8. Bach Reminds Us Of The Opening
9. Motif No.4 - A Steadily Rising Derivative Of Motif No.1
10. Motif No.5, A Lovely, Bouncy, Syncopated Flourish, In Which All The Instruments Join
11. Opening Ritornello (Complete)
12. Episode 1 Begins With Virtuoso Entry Of The Solo Violin, Made Up Of Alternating Arpeggios And Rising Scale-Steps
13. Motif No.3 Returns, Courtesy Of The Recorders, Recently Sidelined By The Violin, Which Now Accompanies, With 'Motto' Motif
14. Ritonello 2, A Varied Repeat Of Ritornello 1, Arrives After Much Harmonic Movement, This Time In E Minor.
15. Episode 2, Part 1, Preceded By The 'Fanfare' Motif From Which Its First Them Derives
16. Episode 2 Continued, With More Bravura Dazzle From The Solo Violin; Key Shifts From A Minor To C Major
17. Repeat Of Section For Purposes Of Hearing The Harmonic Movement
18. Ritornello 3, With The Prominent Participation Of The Soloists
19. Episode 3 Prove Retrospective, Featuring Transposed Repeats Of Earlier Material
20. Ritornello 4, Not Altogether What It Might Seem; Solo Violin Takes 'Motto' Motif, Orchestral Violins Take Motif No.4
21. Episode 4. Cue To Part 1, Focusing On 'Soloistic' Counterpoint Provided By The Continuo
22. Return To Ritornello 4 To Hear Sources Of Episode 4, Part 2
23. Episode 4 Continued, With Emphasis Placed On Conversational Interchanges Between Orchestral Violins And The Recorders
24. Return To Opening Ritornello In Order To Enhance Awareness Of The Contrast Between G Major And B Minor
25. Ritornello 5, Beginning
26. Ritornello 5 Continued, With Emphasis On The Determined Banishment Of B Minor
27. Cue To Complete Performance Of First Movement
28. First Movement (Complete)
29. Introduction: Rhythmic Motif Provides Basis For Whole Movement; The Kernel From Which Much Of The Movement Derives
30. The Melody Not Much To Write Home About; Nor Is The Meek 'Answer' Offered By The Soloists
31. Putting The Two Together, Thereby Establishing A Relationship
32. Contrast And Syncopation - Their Relationship In Opening Section
33. Listening From The 'Bottom Up'
34. The Intertwining And Alteration Of Solo And Orchestra; The Irregularity Of Metrical Groupings
35. The Next Orchestral Phrase; Slowing The Pace But Not The Tempo
36. The First Section (Complete)
37. The Next Section; Foreground Symmetry And Background Variety
38. The Central Section's Groupings Are Hugely Asymmetrical
39. Cue To Second Movement As A Whole
40. Second Movement (Complete)
41. Introduction To The Third Movement...
42. Fugue Subject
43. First Counter-Subject
44. Second Counter-Subject
45. Bass Entry Of The Subject
46. Exposition (Complete)
47. First Episode; The Us Of Fragmentary Derivatives
48. The Difference A Detail Can Make!
49. Harmonic Rhythm Defined; Back To The Beginning To Find The Seed...
50. ...And Now The Blossom
51. The First Solo Episode; A Confusion Of Terms; Onwards, To The Introduction Of The Solo Episode, Then To The Episode Itself
52. Ritornello 2 Complete
53. Solo Episode 2 Dominated by Thrilling Virtuosity From The Solo Violin
54. Ritornello 3: Highly Contrapuntal And Dominated By Subject-Derivatives, With Much Harmonic Fluidity
55. Ritornello 3 Continues: Engine Of Harmonic Motion Repeated At Higher Pitch
56. More On Ritornello 3: The Use Of Long, Sustained, Slightly Syncopated Notes In Upper Strings And Recorders
57. Ritornello 3 (Complete)
58. Solo Episode 3 - Less Solo Than Earlier Ones, What With (Albeit Very Discreet) Orchestral Accompaniment
59. The Two Recorders Converse In Canon, Accompanied For Six Exhilarating Bars By Cello 'Continuo'
60. Finishing Solo Exposition 3: Orchestral Cellos Introduce What Sounds Like It's Going To Be The Complete Fugue Subject But Isn't
61. Approaching The Final Ritornello; Stretto Explained
62. Cue To Final Ritornello, Noting Tension-Building 'Pedal Point' In Cellos And Double Bass
63. Coda - The 'Tail-Piece', With Its Surprising 'Hammer Strokes'
64. Cue To Third Movement
65. Third Movement (Complete)

Tracks:

1. Opening Music; Analysis And Phony Analysis; Shaw Quote; Music: Motif No.1
2. Music, Energy And Relationship
3. The Outlines Of A Melody Emerge
4. The Opening Bar Again
5. Motif No.2: Ta/Dee-Ya, Dee-Ya, Dee-Ya
6. Motif No.3, And An Important Feature Of Its Rhythm
7. Beethoven Fifth Symphony (Opening)
8. Motif No.4
9. Motif No.5
10. Motif No.6
11. Episode 1: A 'Love Duet'
12. Episode 1 Continued; Violin And Flute Reverse Direction Of Their Theme; The 'Love Song' Motif Answered
13. 'False' Ritornello; Soloists Interrupt; Rising 'Sighing' Motif; Harpsichord Continues Downwards
14. Four Things Going On At Once, In Violin, Flute, Harpsichord Right Hand, Harpsichord Left Hand
15. The Orchestra Returns, Picking Up At Exactly The Spot Where It Was Interrupted
16. The Harpsichord Intervenes With Derivative Of Motif 4; Key Shifts From A Major To B Minor
17. The Orchestra Returns To Foreground And Brings This Section To An End
18. Harpsichord Emerges As Virtuoso; A Series Of Expectations Are Frustrated
19. A Backwards Look; Blurred Distinctions Between Soloists And Orchestra; 'Mozartian' Development
20. Out Of The Twilight Zone; A Sequence Of Surprises
21. The Epoch-Making Harpsichord Cadenza And The Final Ritornello
22. Cue To First Movement
23. First Movement (Complete)
24. Introduction; The Opening Ritornello
25. The First Bar; The First Main Building Block
26. The Flute Motif
27. Opening Of The First Solo Episode
28. An Important Motif; The Second Main Building Block
29. The Second Main Theme
30. Ritornello 2; Violin And Flute As 'Orchestra'
31. Episode 2; Inversion Of Original Motifs
32. More On Episode 2
33. Episode 1 And Episode 2 Compared
34. Episode 2; Key Shifts From D Major To F Sharp Minor
35. Ritornello 3: An Exact Transposition Of Ritornello 1
36. Episode 3 Contrasted With Episode 1
37. Episode 3 Described In Detail
38. Rotornello 4; Second Main Theme's First Appearance In A Ritornello
39. Episode 4: Dominated By Inversions
40. Cue To Second Movement
41. Second Movement (Complete)
42. Introduction: Ritornello 1
43. The Fugue Subject: Close Juxtaposition Of Contrasting Elements
44. Flute Takes The 'Answer', With Countersubject In The Violin
45. Contrary Motion As A Contrapuntal Device
46. Contrary Motion As A Listening Aid; A New Theme
47. Playing With The Counter-Subject; A Musical Game Of Tag
48. Hidden Rhythms: Background Variety Behind Foreground Uniformity
49. Fugal Writing And The Compatibility Of Parts; The Exposition
50. Episode 1, Taken By Soloists, Contains Importand 'Seeds'
51. The Orchestra Enters At Last, But By Stealth
52. Stretto And Musical Football
53. Key Changes To B Minor, Introducing Extensive Middle Section
54. The Middle Section A Precursor Of The Mozartian 'Development'
55. The Fugue Subject Out In Force: First Four Immediately Consecutive Entries Yet
56. Ambiguity Of Mode And A Scottish Twist
57. Middle Section Continued; Harpsichord Dominates
58. Cue To Last Movement
59. Last Movement (Complete)

Customer Reviews:

Great series.......2006-06-13

I own a couple of these Naxos "classics explained" series, and I really enjoy them. They really go in-depth -- it's basically a bar-by-bar analysis of the piece. The booklet that accompanies the CD's is also very worthwhile.

One piece of advice: if you are going to listen to these tapes, I highly recommend that you also get a copy of the full score. Most scores (including the Brandenburgs) are now available for free on the internet. It's a lot easier to understand the CD's if you're also following along in the score.

Well done, but narrow........2005-02-22

This Introduction to Bach involves a close analysis of each movement of Brandenburgs 4 and 5 using brief selections from the movements, followed by listening to the complete movement. The analysis is almost entirely a matter of narrating the events of each movement. I found the analysis helpful in pointing out what to listen for in the music and in recognizing the structure of the movements, but it seemed a bit dry and narrowly focused.

The lengthy and attractive booklet contains a transcript of the analysis and other chapters about Bach's life, the 18th century, listening to music, etc. I would also recommend the Life and Works of Johann Sebastian Bach (ASIN: B0000666A8), also by Naxos, which includes selections from most of Bach's major works and a biography of Bach.

Well done and a good value.

Average customer rating: Inconsistent Skip this one A triumphant passionate recording IT'S A MESS Warm-hearted renditions

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-6 Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Panorama: George Gershwin Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet, 1910) / Alexander Scriabin: Prometheus - The Poem of Fire - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra, St. Petersburg / Alexander Toradze Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Panorama: Franz Schubert Panorama: Hector Berlioz ASIN: B000000UUW Release Date: 1995-06-20

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Inconsistent.......2006-03-16

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

Skip this one.......2002-08-16

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

A triumphant passionate recording.......2001-12-30

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

IT'S A MESS.......2000-09-15

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

Warm-hearted renditions.......2000-02-01

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

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

Music Review:

1. Bach: Orchestral Suites Nos. 2-4
2. Beethoven: Missa solemnis; Choral Fantasia
3. Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5; Overtures
4. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1-15
5. Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 16-32
6. Beethoven: String Quartets Nos.14 & 15
7. Beethoven: String Quartets, Opp.127 & 135
8. Beethoven: Violin Sonata Nos. 5 & 9
9. Berlioz: Les nuits d'été, etc
10. Bernstein: Candide Overture; Fancy Free; Facsimile; On the Town

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