Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba & Harpsichord

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Kenneth Cooper (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Kenneth Cooper
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025PV
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,111 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars RATHER DUBIOUS "READINGS", November 20, 2000

By 

Melvyn M. Sobel "Melvyn M. Sobel" (Freeport, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba & Harpsichord (Audio CD)

Unfortunately, even though the artists here are of the highest calibre, this CD of Bach's beautiful Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord is not self-recommending. I say unfortunately because these performances are curiously pedestrian, utterly routine and continuously lacking charm, grace and anything close to depth. It's all quite a terribly dull affair at Bach's expense--- and ours. To add insult to injury, the recording itself is heavily weighted in Ma's favor, which is hardly a bonus; Cooper's harpsichord sounds as if it's in another room somewhere in the distance... droning on and on and on. Even at mid-price, these renditions are simply not competitive.

[Running time: 42:24]

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome, September 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba & Harpsichord (Audio CD)

This CD is what originally got me into classical music years ago and it continues to inspire me and be my favorite album.

Despite what the other reviewer said, i believe this recording contains huge depth and is interpreted beautifully.

A must have for ANY classical music lover(or non-lover).

3.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Music, Horrible Balance, December 4, 2011

By 

Douglas Hart - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba & Harpsichord (Audio CD)

I purchased this recording on LP 25 years ago. I loved the music then, and I love it now. The problem with the recording is the lack of balance between the two performers. Ma's playing is emphasized to the point that Cooper is reduced to a mere accompanist rather than being an equal partner. It is as if Ma sits at the very edge of the stage while Cooper and his harpsichord are tucked away in the far rear corner. For this reason, I recommend buying a clean used copy of the CD rather than a new copy.