Bach: English Suites Nos.1-3

On this CD:

1. English Suite for keyboard No. 1 in A major, BWV 806
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Christiane Jaccottet

2. English Suite for keyboard No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Christiane Jaccottet

3. English Suite for keyboard No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Christiane Jaccottet

Tracks:

Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro - Philadelphia Orch; Ormandy, E.
Fse
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from "Solomon"
Alla Turca
Quintet in a Major for Piano and Strings, Op. 114 "Trout"
Concerto No. 1 in E Major, RV. 269 "Spring" (From the Four Seasons)
"Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" from Cantata No. 147
Canon in D
Quintet in a Major for Piano and Strings, Op. 114 "Trout"
Air ("On the G String") From Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV 1068
Sheep May Safely Graze from Cantata No. 208
Water Music, HWV 348-350 (Wassermusik)
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467 "Elvira Madigan"
Serenade No. 13 in G Major, K. 525 "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik"
"Dove Sono" from le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492
"Li Darem la Mano" from Don Giovanni, K. 527
Bist du Bei Mir, BWV 508

Amazon.com

Hundreds of compilation recordings have been thrust on the market in recent years on the theory that classical music makes a nice, non-threatening accompaniment to everything from working out to making love. And here we have one compilation promising to make your baby smarter. It's offensive enough that the music featured on these compilations is spliced up so that the most you hear of any work is a single movement; what's really annoying is the poor quality of so many of the featured performances. So it is some consolation that the artists here include such 20th-century legends as the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell and the Budapest String Quartet with Mieczyslaw Horszowski. Of course if these folks were alive, one can imagine their violent objection to this presentation of their work. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

Build Baby's Brain through Classics Vol 1.......2006-07-25

I am a true fan of Classical music and this was purchased as a gift for a co-worker who is adopting a child from China. Therefore I did not open it nor listen to it. The recipient is now overseas picking up their daughter so I know they haven't had the opportunity to listen to it. I think it's a great idea, though, and purchased a used set for my Grandson.

Wonderful stimulating music for baby.......2006-06-23

I am sorry for the previous review who said that intelligence is hereditary. If that is true, all mankind would have been doomed from the start.

Intelligence is not hereditary, but rather a result of stimulation during infancy and birth. Sure, it isn't a guarantee that your child *will* become a genius if you attempt to educate them from birth, but there is no doubt that real educational stimulation of a young mind is a powerful indicator that the child will be more advanced than the average child.

Music is not just notes played. Music--real music--is everything. Though the music of today will fade, classical music will always be around because it is classic. It fits no matter what era you place it in. There is always a home for it. The artists are timeless just as the beautiful melodies are.

I certainly believe that babies who listen to music will become more familiar with and more easily understand music and instruments. Therefore, they will be quicker of mind. It is just a fact that people who play instruments are usually of higher intelligence.

I don't think that people are destined to be stupid or geniuses. I believe it is a question of environment. I feel I'm a great mother but I haven't done everything I could have been doing to help my son's mind expand as an infant. Now that he is a toddler (18 months) I am teaching him to read and exposing him to the magic of classical music in hopes that it will help mold him and set him apart from the rest.

Minds are trainable. You just have to work at it. This CD compiled of beautiful pieces composed by instrumental geniuses will help you do just that.

The greatest CD!!.......2006-01-17

I received this CD free when I had my first baby and it instantly became my fav cd of all time. I have it on my computer and I had another copy made because I just can not imagine not having it.
And as for the comment that the music has nothing to do with intellingence, you stand alone on that front. Besides, what does it hurt? It's great, soothing music and the babies enjoy it.

Forget baby, it's mine?.......2005-09-01

I love my child, but the first time I heard this CD, It immediately went from her recorder to mine. I take it practically everywhere I go. I know it's technically "Her" CD, but the selections are so soothing; and you need that type of comfort when stuck in traffic. Honestly, we both enjoy it - and I'm glad someone thought enough to give it as a gift.

Love this CD--why all the complaints?.......2004-08-30

I'm not sure what people were expecting when they purchased this. For one thing it tells you exactly what is on the CD. Its not a mystery!! If you buy it on amazon it has listed every title on it so I"m not sure about the people who said they were dissapointed because they already own those titles. Obviously you should glance at the list of titles on this CD if you have a large classical collection already. However if you don't already have a classical collection this is by far excellent .I'll be honest and admit I listen to one of the volumes daily regardless of who is in the room. It's marketed for babies but it is really for anyone. There are SO many classical pieces out there. What they have done is to take the best of the best and also the ones that are known to appeal to babies. For some reason many reviewers thing they just took a random sampling of classical music. In reality they have put together those that appeal most to children. I can tell you that my 1 year old daughter actually dances to these. She really likes them a lot. I consider the whole collection a must have for any household.

Average customer rating:

A great introduction to Baroque music...
Good "best of" CD, but nothing more.
Phenomenal Collection of Music
Phenomenal Collection of Music
DEFINES "CLASSIC"

Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003F5Y
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

A great introduction to Baroque music..........2005-10-04

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

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

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

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

Good "best of" CD, but nothing more........2001-09-27

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

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

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-19

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

Phenomenal Collection of Music.......2001-09-18

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

DEFINES "CLASSIC".......2000-05-26

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

Average customer rating:

Ultimate Wedding Album
The Best!
A beautiful CD - wedding or not
The best of my Wedding CD's
When they say Ultimate, they mean it!

The Ultimate Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Wedding
The Complete Wedding Album
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Baroque For Brides To Be: A Musical Bouquet for Your Wedding Day

ASIN: B00000427S
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sheep May Safely Graze
Suite No.3 In D: Air On The G String
Xerxes: Largo
The Water Music: Air
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Trumpet Voluntary (The Prince Of Denmark's March)
Solomon: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Canon In D
Ave Maria
Panis Angelicus
Ave Maria
Because
West Side Story: One Hand, One Heart
Be My Love
The Water Music: Hornpipe In D
Fifth Symphony: Toccata
Trumpet Tune And Air
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate Wedding Album.......2007-06-01

The perfect album for anyone planning a wedding. Both traditional and contemporary wedding favorites. Sound quality is excellent.

The Best!.......2007-05-24

Send this to every future bride and groom - yes. But even better, send a copy to the PARENT(S) of the future bride and groom!!! It gets everyone in the mood and filled with excitement! Also, it allows them to hear some choices other than "Here Comes the Bride." This CD can also be a lasting pre-wedding shower gift.

A beautiful CD - wedding or not.......2007-01-11

Whether you're getting married, attending a wedding or just want some sweet music to listen to - this album is it. A terrific collection of some of the most beautiful music ever written.

The best of my Wedding CD's.......2007-01-10

I purchased quite a few Wedding CD's but for me, this Album has the most elegant and classic pieces. Ultra modern, trendy girls...don't you dare go here. Classic, beautiful, refined women...this is your CD.

Pamela

When they say Ultimate, they mean it!.......2006-03-14

This album really is great. As of writing the review I haven't gotten married yet, but I am definetly using it in my June wedding. It has all of the classics that we always associate with weddings and only weddings ("Bridal Chorus" for the bridal processional, "Wedding March" for a recessional, etc.) PLUS plenty of other music for the wedding party processional, unity candle lighting, prelude music, etc. I purchased another CD, but only because that music was used in EVERY ceremony at my high school and it has sentimental value to me. I didn't need to, as the album cover even sorts the tracks by Prelude, Processional, Ceremony, and Recessional.

The songs are so peaceful, well performed, and just plain pretty. Those with organ truly remind me of being in church as a child. I plan to keep the CD in my IPod and listen to it when I need some "chill out" time. Those which are not AS specific to weddings ("Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Air on the G String," etc.) sort of make you feel like you're in a classy coffee shop or in a bakery in an Italian villa.

Overall, a very well-rounded album. You could get by with this CD alone for all of your ceremony music and save hundreds of dollars on hiring an organist and soloist. With a decent sound system at your ceremony site, guests who didn't know any better would wonder where the orchestra is.

Baroque For Brides To Be: A Musical Bouquet for Your Wedding Day

Average customer rating:

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

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Classical Wedding
25 Wedding Favorites
The Ultimate Wedding Album
Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music

ASIN: B0000041NF
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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!!!!

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!

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.

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.

CBS Dinner Classics: Sunday Brunch, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

Wow!!! The Good Humored Ladies!

CBS Dinner Classics: Sunday Brunch, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000277P
Release Date: 1991-01-09

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Wow!!! The Good Humored Ladies!.......2006-08-03

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

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

An addition to the music includes recipes inside the paper cover.

Average customer rating:

I'm Mad About Baroque
Amazing!

Mad About Baroque

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mad About Bach
Mad about Vivaldi
Mad about The Classics
Mad about Piano
Mad About Guitars

ASIN: B000001GKF
Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

I'm Mad About Baroque.......2007-01-05

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

Amazing!.......2002-12-18

I thouroughly enjoy this CD! The music is beautiful enough to listen to all by itself, but also quiet and peaceful enough to listen to while studying for exams or doing homework. Mad about Baroque has been in my discman for many weeks and accompanied to the library many times. This is a great CD!

Average customer rating:

Expressive purpose

Bach: English Suites Nos. 1, 3 & 6

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bach: Keyboard Concertos Nos. 3, 5, 6, 7
Handel/Scarlatti: Murray Perahia Plays Handel & Scarlatti

ASIN: B0001ENYN0
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Prelude
Allemande
Courante I
Courante II Avec Deux Doubles
Sarabande
Bourree I
Bourree II
Gigue
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande
Gavotte I
Gavotte II (Ou La Musette)
Gigue
Prelude. Allegro
Allemande
Courante
Sarabande - IVa. Double
Gavotte I
Gavotte II
Gigue
Prelude
Allemande
Courante
Air (With 5 Variations; Harmonius Blacksmith)

Customer Reviews:

Expressive purpose.......2006-02-01

Murray Perahia's exploration of the Bach English Suites is fully fleshed out in this sumptuous recording. Perahia displays every facet and nuance of Bach's harmonically rich and melodically joyful Suites on the one instrument which can delve into the profound aural potential of the Baroque master's keyboard compositions: the piano. With ample skill and profoundly beautiful technique, Perahia gives each new idea life and instrumental vivacity. Bass passages spring out with the power of the plucked string of the cello; treble passages entwine themselves with the harmonic urge below; each idea penned by the worthy composer is realised with its own colour and character by Perahia, as though played by an ensemble of skillful musicians. Every vocal line tugs at the spirit, replete with intention. A powerful, subtle and much appreciated recording. Thankyou, J.S. Bach. Thankyou, Murray Perahia.

Average customer rating:

Is Naxos really the best version?
Definitive Historic Bach by Casals.
Essential part of any collection
Casals reveals all
Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Bach: Suites for Solo Cello
Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo
Bach: Six Unaccompanied Cello Suites
Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6
Casals Edition - Beethoven: Complete Cello Sonatas

ASIN: B00004VXD2
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Prelude
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Allemande
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Courante
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Sarabande
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Menuets I And II
Suite No.1 In G Major, BWV 1007: Gigue
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Prelude
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Allemande
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Courante
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Sarabande
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Menuets I And II
Suite No.2 In D Minor, BWV 1008: Gigue
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Prelude
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Allemande
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Courante
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Sarabande
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Bourrees I And II
Suite No.3 In C Major, BWV 1009: Gigue
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Prelude
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Allemande
Courante
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Sarabande
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Bourrees I And II
Suite No.4 In E Flat Major, BWV 1010: Gigue

Tracks:

Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Prelude
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Allemande
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Courante
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Sarabande
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Gavottes I And II
Suite No.5 In C Minor, BWV 1011: Gigue
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Prelude
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Allemande
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Courante
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Sarabande
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Gavottes I And II
Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 1012: Gigue
Toccata, Adagio And Fugue In C Major, BWV 564: Adagio In A Minor
Gavottes I And II From English Suite No.6 In D Major, BWV 811: Musette
Komm, Susser Tod, BWV 478
Sonata No.2 For Unaccompanied Violin, BWV 1003: Andante
Suite No.3 In D, BWV 1068: Air

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Customer Reviews:

Is Naxos really the best version?.......2006-11-12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope this helps.

Definitive Historic Bach by Casals........2006-11-09

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

Essential part of any collection.......2006-04-29

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

Casals reveals all.......2005-10-08

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

Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6.......2005-08-12

What an amazing talent. Every time I hear someone play the cello I compare them to the greats, there is no comparison when it comes to Casals. Like DuPre and Yoyo, he stands alone and is a wonder of nature. If you want to play, you need to practice, you need to love the instrument, you need to be lyrical in you playing, becoming comfortable with the music and the instrument, you need to emulate the greats! What a great artist to emulate!

Bach: English Suites Nos 1-6, BWV 806-811 (Edition Bachakademie Vol 113) /Levin (piano)

Average customer rating:

A piano performance to win over harpsichord die-hards
Robert Levin rocks Bach

Bach: English Suites Nos 1-6, BWV 806-811 (Edition Bachakademie Vol 113) /Levin (piano)

Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004TKFJ
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Customer Reviews:

A piano performance to win over harpsichord die-hards.......2005-06-28

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

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

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

Robert Levin rocks Bach.......2001-06-26

I own Robert Levin's "Well-Tempered Clavier" and was supremely impressed. I go back to it often; perhaps moreso than the 4 other versions I own. I figured he couldn't go wrong with Bach, so I bought his "English Suites" and was proven right. His playing is superb and the recording is crystal clear. I highly recommend this CD.

Average customer rating:

Bravo

Bach: English Suites Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6

Manufacturer: Delos Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sviatoslav Richter Plays Schubert Piano Sonatas D958, D960
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ASIN: B0002SPPBE
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Customer Reviews:

Bravo.......2005-01-31

Richter never ceases to amaze. At 76 and after heart surgery Richter doesn't play these pieces as muscularly as he does the WTC, and the performances are not "note perfect." But I quibble. Richter's artistry and musicianship combined with the wisdom of over 60 years of performances ensures that this recital is stunning. Besides, one of Richter's "bad" notes is worth 10 "perfect" notes from any other virtuoso. If you love Bach, Richter, or the piano, do yourself a favor and listen to this set.

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