Customer Reviews

Brandenburg Concerti 1-3 / Triple Concerto

5 star:		(4)
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After listening to many recordings of the Brandenburg Concertos this is my favorite. It manages to combine the discipline and order required for performing Baroque music with the passion and beauty that is also vital to that period's music. The instruments used sound as if they are of the highest quality and authenticity. A fantastic recording, I cannot imagine that there is a better one.

Previously, during my discussion of Raymond Leppard's modern readings, I mentioned I was evaluating a number of authentic instruments versions of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. I indicated also that I found the authentic style of presentation preferable to the modern. A good deal of listening to both styles has put things in more balanced perspective for me. While I do enjoy the authentic approach, I realize it is not necessarily more fulfilling than the modern. Clearly, what matters most is the quality of the performance that is given. It seems a good deal not only has to do with instrumental colors and textures but also tempos and nuances. I still stand by my favorite modern version of the Brandenburgs with Leppard and the English Chamber Orchestra, however choosing a favorite for the earlier instruments has not been a simple matter. I have managed to whittle things down to Koopman and Leonhardt. The level of play offered by both is excellent. In some individual instances, I prefer one over the other, however on balance I lean slightly toward Koopman. First, though the sound given by the recording crews is fine for both conductors, that given to Koopman and his Amsterdam players is more open and ambient, therefore helping to illuminate various nuances which Koopman seems a bit better at revealing. In general, I also find he and his group play with more flair than Leonhardt's ensemble. There seems to be a greater sense of liveliness, especially in most of the allegros, though Koopman could have offered more sparkle in the allegro assai of Brandenburg 2, and he seems outdone by Leonhardt in the third movement allegro of Brandenburg 5 when it comes to color and spirit. Additionally, I find Koopman usually more expressive in the adagios, though in Brandenburg 6 Leonhardt reveals more sentiment than Koopman, who tends to be a little "heavy" here....If you are searching for an authentic instruments version of the Brandenburgs to live with, I recommend you try listening at least to these two accounts by Koopman and Leonhardt, both which I consider to be top notch. Of course, which performance lands in your collection will depend on your own taste or aesthetic preferences. You may even not settle for less than owning both of these fine presentations.

These recordings of the Brandenburgs are the best I've ever heard. The only ones that come close are Trevor Pinnock's efforts from the same period of time. Koopman is a practioner of the "authentic" baroque sound, or the use of period instruments to achieve that sound. The success of the effort is arguable. The beauty of the recording is not. Buy them!

Hector is right. It's hard to imagine improving on these recordings. The production is terrific, giving each instrument a vivid presence. Great performances too.