Essential Bach [Import]

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Robert King (Conductor, Performer), James Bowman (Performer), King's Consort (Performer), James O'Donnell (Performer), Gillian Fisher (Performer), James O'Donnell (Performer), Katherina Spreckelsen (Performer), Elizabeth Wallfisch (Artist), David Woodcock (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Robert King, James Bowman, King's Consort, James O'Donnell, Gillian Fisher, et al.
• Conductor: Robert King
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (November 16, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Hyperion UK
• ASIN: B000031WGD
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #480,965 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. From Christmas Oratorio: Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen

2. From Christmas Oratorio: Zwar ist solche Herzensstube

3. From Trio Sonata In E minor: Andante

4. From St Matthew Passion: Erbarme sich

5. From Concerto In C Minor For Oboe And Violin: Adagio

6. From Mass In B Minor: Gloria in excelsis Deo & Et in terra pax

7. From Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano

8. Opening Chorus Of Cantata 1: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern

9. Closing Chorus Of Cantata 1: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern

10. To Cantata 169: Sinfonia

11. From Cantata 208: Schafe können sicher weiden

12. From Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor: Vivace

13. From Cantata 170: Vergnügte Ruh', beliebte Seelenlust

14. From Mass In B Minor: Dona nobis pacem

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, June 18, 2000

By 

SHERMAN WASHINGTON - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Bach (Audio CD)

The King Consort, under the direction of Robert King has done an excellent job on this recording. This is what Johann Bach's music is meant to sound like. The interpretations are thoughtful, intelligent, and alive. Not a note is missed, overdone or rushed. The performances will captivate you and leave you in amazement of just how great composer/genius Bach was. The sound quality is great - you will feel as though the choir is there with you and you will feel the true beauty and spirit of this music.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buyer beware!, December 20, 2005

By 

Craig Burrows (Quezon City, Metro Manila Philippines) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Essential Bach (Audio CD)

This album should come with a warning. I have always paid lip service to liking Bach but had none of his choral works in my CD collection and only five Bach CD's in total, however Robert King and his talented ensemble made the music live and I fell in love. I now have over fifty Bach CD's and listen to Bach's choral music more than any other. I highly recommend this CD if you are looking to expand your taste or want a sample but beware the passion and worship that Robert King brings through in this collection could well cost you a lot of time and money. However at this price everyone deserves to sample the beauty and spirituality that shines through. The technical merits are also to be applauded; the music is note perfect but it does not obscure the solos or choral parts. As already noted this is on period instruments and King does a good job of interpreting Bach without rushing or dragging. Of course the danger is that this is only a sampler and it leaves you wanting more, therein is the problem.

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, Passionate Bach, January 14, 2003

By 

rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Essential Bach (Audio CD)

King is a baroque passionate nut! He is so into this, that it comes out in his conducting.

This is just outstanding performance on period instruments with wonderful choir and soloists.

The pieces are never hurried, but this interpretation is clear, clean, flowing, balanced and nuanced.

Especially into the well done Adagio from the Concerto in C minor for oboe and violin, and the magnificent organ work on SInfonia to Cantata 169.

You'll be dazzled by this collection of this colossus of music.