COMPOSERS: Bach
LABELS: Teldec Das Alte Werk
WORKS: Orchestral Suite No. 1; Orchestral Suite No. 2; Orchestral Suite No. 3; Orchestral Suite No. 4
PERFORMER: Concentus Musicus Wien/ Nikolaus Harnoncourt
CATALOGUE NO: 4509-92174-2 ADD (2 discs) (1967)
This well-documented and handsomely presented set is well worth considering. Harnoncourt led the way in ‘authentic’ Bach performances, and in some respects – the slow minuets and the somewhat portentous introductions, for instance – these Sixties recordings differ from more recent practice. But no matter, since the approach is full of life, and the balance allows details to be heard clearly and naturally. The fugal sections are particularly successful. Terry Barfoot
Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 1; Orchestral Suite No. 2; Orchestral Suite No. 3; Orchestral Suite No. 4
This well-documented and handsomely presented set is well worth considering. Harnoncourt led the way in ‘authentic’ Bach performances, and in some respects – the slow minuets and the somewhat portentous introductions, for instance – these Sixties recordings differ from more recent practice. But no matter, since the approach is full of life, and the balance allows details to be heard clearly and naturally. The fugal sections are particularly successful. Terry Barfoot
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:41 pm