Customer Reviews

JS Bach: The Complete Keyboard Trio Sonatas

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

 

 

I'm a more-n-more devoted lover of the music of J. S. Bach -- though I should say I have absolutely *no* formal training in classical music, whether history or performance. I simply love the music. There seems to be nothing in life that is more profound, or beautiful, or just revelatory of the good and great side of humanity, than this man's music.

It's cliche, but re: this recording I wish there was a six-star rating. I've been listening to it again and again during some rather stressful life and work moments, and the revelations just keep coming. The sound of the twin lautenwercke is astounding, and the performances allow the music to speak in crystal volumes, right through one's ears and down into the "soul" ... whatever *that* is.

I can't say enough good things about this recording. It's a particular solace and treasure to me.

I'm not a big classical music fan, but I heard the story about this CD on NPR and found my favorite new CD. The sound of the lute-harpsichord is so unique and sweet. To think that this instrument almost disappeared! Thank goodness for these folks bringing it back to life.

I've had trouble finding a satisfying version of this work. I tried a couple of organ versions, but found that they didn't hold my interest. Not that I don't like Bach organ works - the Biggs performances of such pieces as the Passacalia and the Toccata and Fugue in Dm are among the works that first got me interested in Bach so many years ago. But no performance on organ seemed to work for me on these pieces. I then tried an instrumental transciption - the King's Consort version. I found it to be an interesting idea, but after some listening I found that it wasn't a satisfying performance. It just didn't grab me and facinate me the way good Bach performanes should. When I came across this dual-keyboard CD I hesitated at first because it seemed like a gimic. But the idea of a crisply articulated version on lute-harpsichord seemed intriging, so I gave it a try. I'm very glad I did. This is a first rate Bach performance that captures the intricate interplay and inevitable unwinding of the notes that is so endlessly facinating in the best Bach performances. There's so much music I enjoy, but no matter what I come across, there's a special place in my heart for Bach, and this is one of those performances that makes it so.