Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra Arranged for Guitar Quartet

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer) (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 26, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Delos Records
• ASIN: B00004YR6P
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,184 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening cd!, October 20, 2000

By 

Richard B. Schuchman (Orlando, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra Arranged for Guitar Quartet (Audio CD)

As a disclaimer, let me just say I wasn't expecting anything fantastic when I first listened to this disk. The orchestral suites were never among my favorite Bach pieces, being more of a "solo instrumental" kind of person. Also, I'm not one of those who automatically loves everything just because it's being played on the guitar. In fact, I was disappointed with Galbraith's Lute Suites (which I felt were over-ornamented and lacking somewhat emotionally [they don't "breathe" well]).

That said, this is a GREAT disk! The transcription to four guitars clarifies, simplifies and just generally makes this music much easier to hear and understand what, to me, was muddy and more like background music in its original form. The counterpoint practically leaps out at you, and the extra range of Galbraith's guitar really helps in the separation of melodic lines and bass/harmony lines. The tone and balance of the guitars is superb, as well as the assignment of parts and pacing in general. The music, being, after all, Bach, can not be faulted. For me, this disk is a revelation, making music accessible to me that was previously not quite clear enough to merit concentrated listening. If there is any complaint to be made, it is with the nature of the guitar itself. For the same reason I prefer the Violin S & P's played on violin, some may prefer the orchestral version because of the lack of sustain on guitar. This is most noticible in the famous Air. After a few listens, I find I have no problem with it at all on this disk, possibly because, in the orchestral version, the harpsichord acts as the continuo, which has a more percussive attack than strings, which though they're present, aren't as obvious as the harpsichord. The arrangement seems to work on this level. I'd put this on par with Josef Eotvos's solo version of the Goldberg Variations as far as important new transcriptions released in the past few years and I look forward to see what direction this group will take next (look out LAGQ!)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An opinion of a baroque music, June 6, 2006

By 

Everything Art "Garnet" (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra Arranged for Guitar Quartet (Audio CD)

Since I.S.Bach is my favorite composer and classical guitar is my favorite instrument, this disc seemed like a match made in heaven for me. After reading the other reviews I was a little worried. But I wanted to listen to this performance even more.
Well, after the first hearing I didn't like it. It sounded too lightweight, too lacy and airy, too fanciful. I decided to "exile" it into my car. However, the more I listened, the more I liked it. Yes, it is still lacy and airy, but such interpretation has a right to exist. Of course, switching from wind instuments and orchestra to four guitars, overall changes the whole character of these overtures. It becomes more intimate, more ornamental. But I think the right to interpret is what makes music alive. Once you get used to the "scale," all you hear is the ageless sounds of Bach. I am very glad I bought it, I gives me lots of joy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Enjoyable!, December 27, 2004

By 

M. Levitt - classical music buff (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: Four Suites for Orchestra Arranged for Guitar Quartet (Audio CD)

The Bach Orchestral Suites for guitar quartet?

Bach rewrote a number of pieces for various combinations of instruments as well as transcribing music of other composers. The Brazilian Guitar Quartet play their arrangements beautifully. Theirs are relaxed, highly enjoyable versions I've listened to again and again. I've taken to their approach so much that it is an adjustment to hear some chamber orchestras play this music as fast as they do.

A CD for Bach lovers in general, not just guitar aficionados.