Customer Reviews

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, like much of Bach's works, are very modern sounding pieces. That's what makes them so appealing. Although each movement is no more than a few minutes long, the melodies and form of each are well developed and gorgeous.

This recording is especially worth buying because Marriner and the Academy produce a well-balanced and well-played interpretation. The instruments are not period instruments, but I think that adds to the overall flavor of this recording. Although the Boston Baroque offers recordings using period pieces, they don't match the interpretive genius of Neville Marriner.

Overall, this disc is a great buy -- only a few dollars for some of my favorite pieces by Bach. Don't make the mistake of assuming the low price of this set is somehow an indication of quality.

I think with the Brandenbergs, the deciding factor on which set to buy is whether you prefer modern instruments or period instruments. There are probably more great period instrument recordings (Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert is my personal favorite) to choose from than modern instrument recordings, but I think this is the best available modern instrument recording. You pretty much cannot go wrong with anything by Marriner and the ASMF, but this is truly one of their better recordings and has been for a number of years. There may be others out there just as good, but I doubt if you will find any better.

I am not a musician nor can I identify Bach's Brandenburg Concerto number one from number five. However, I am an avid listener and do enjoy classical music. I know how good the Academy of St Martin in the Fields is and what a great conductor Sir Neville Marriner is. Most of all, I can identify a real bargain when I see one and this CD qualifies as a great bargain.

Bach's concertos are relaxing and very enjoyable. The Academy performs under the sure hand of Sir Marriner at the highest level. Each CD is just over an hour, the sound is clear and as Gramophone says "these performances are easy to enjoy".

This review refers to both the CD for concertos Nos. 1-4 and the CD for concertos Nos. 5 & & with Orchestral Suite No. 1.

This version of EMI Classics "Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No 1-4" [with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under the direction of Neville Marriner] is definitely one of the best in existence. I have listened to the Brandenburg Concertos since I was 11 years old in Germany and Switzerland. I never get tired of them. They are endless and tranquil.

This is music I've always wanted to add to my growing collection. I'm not a huge baroque lover, but a general classical music lover. Mariner's renditions recorded with The St. Martin in the Fields orchestra always have great clarity, as he prides himself on playing the classical masters as they would have wanted. This interpretation of Bach is wonderful.

The Brandenberg Concertos are among the classics of Bach that all music lovers should own. This recording, while not limited to period instruments, gives an excellent example of why Bach lovers love the Brandenburg Concertos.

This is a must have for lovers of Baroque Chamber music. To appreciate Mozart you have to listen to Bach for his roots. Though over used as background music in movies & TV series, there is nothing like these pieces to lift the heart while on a walk or drive through beautiful scenery. EMI has always produced great classical albums. This is no exception. Neville Marriner never directs a bad piece and St. Martin of the Fields understands the composer and are masters of their instruments.

I was very pleassed to hear this wonderfull recording of Neville Marriner of these marvelous Bach's masterpieces.