Customer Reviews

J.S. Bach: Musical Offering, BWV1079

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

 

 

I own various top-level performances of this masterpiece of J.S. Bach's, and this is by far the best one I have heard. Its most outstanding virtue is the tremendous sharpness and transparency in the phrasing of contrapuntal lines. Some points could be better (e.g., a faster tempo in the Ricercar a 6), but this barely darkens the general bright of this recording.

I have owned this recording ever since it was first issued on lp in 1981 (recorded in 1974). First, Gustav Leonhardt's performances of the two ricercare are beyond praise. Second, the performances by the Kuijken brothers and Robert Kohnen of the canons and trio sonata are impeccably expressive and suave. This recording has not been superceded even by the Kuijkens' later one on DHM (on which Kohnen plays the two ricercare as well as all the ensemble pieces). This will probably never be bettered, so buy it while you can. For those interested, the Kuijkens have also made a DVD of the Musical Offering, recorded in Leipzig, a useful supplement to the present release.

The cd doesn't make entirely clear exactly who plays what, so, for your information, taken from the original lp:
Leonhardt plays on tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 (with Kohnen). Kohnen plays the rest (including the trio sonata). Highest recommendation.

If you're a confirmed Bach-head and lover of contrapuntal music, this is a must recording. Gustav Leonhardt is one of the foremost Bach scholars and master harpsichordists of our time. He and his fellow musicians have given us a beautifully clean and transparent interpretation of Bach's "Musical Offering" to Fredrick the Great. Although this is a re-mastered recording from 1974, it is sonicly very pleasing. Highly recomended.

Gustav Leonhardt is maybe the best Bach performer of our century.He and the Kuijken brothers show us one of the most incredible performance of the Musical Offering:the use of period instruments together with the virtuosity of each musician makes this recording an excellent approach to Bach music.

I own several recordings of BWV 1079. This is the one I listen to the most. The performers understand Bach and bring out the best of what some have derided as an exercise in composition. It is a satisfying recording emotionally, intellectually and technically.

The "Musical Offering" is a great source for poeple, like me, who love contrapunctal music. This is a good performance of it, and the music is beautiful and enthralling.

Even better, they used period instruments. I hate it when people perfom Bach on a piano or whatnot; this CD is hard-core harpsichord, et al.

Good music, as it probably sounded in the 1740's. Get it. Love it. I did.