Customer Reviews

Pachelbel: Canon & Gigue/Handel: Sonata in G for 2 Violins and Continuo/Vivaldi: La Follia/Bach: Orchestral Suites No. 2 & 5

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This is an amazing CD. Their interpretation of the Pachabel and the Bach pieces are among the best I've heard. I was mainly writing this review, because the other reviewer said something about there being no keyboard. On my recording the harpsichordist is quite good and I can hear him quite clearly in each work. Infact, at time the ensemble backs off so the the keyboard can come out even more. I just wanted to assure any harpsichord fans that they won't be left out in this wonderful recording.

I simply love this disc. It's offered at a bargain price, and features some of the most-recognized Baroque pieces. The Musica Antiqua Koln ensemble does an excellent job of infusing new life into all of the works on this disc. Although I've heard some of these selections countless times, Musica Antiqua has the unique ability to make them sound brand new. This string ensemble can even make Pachelbel's Canon seem like it was only written yesterday! Many of these works are usually accompanied by harpsichord. But Musica Antiqua is so good that you soon forget about the absence of a keyboard.

Overall, this 1982 DDD release is wonderful. The sound quality is great, and the performances unrivaled. True, every major Classical record label offers every one of these compositions in one form or another (ADD/DDD). But they've all been recorded differently (some with full orchestra, others with smaller ensemles, even quartets, quintets, etc). So even the same composition can be interpreted (and thus recorded) differently.

Perhaps that's why I never tire of hearing these pieces over and over again. Every conducter and ensemble inevitably puts their own mark on the recording. And that's what Musica Antiqua Koln has admirably done with this release. It's great, affordable, and definitely should be a part of any Classical music collection.

I am a big Goebel fan. His recordings always feature superb virtuosity (both personal and on a group level) with dynamic and engaging spirit. This one is no exception.
Wilbert Hazelzet's Badineire truly shines as is the finest I have heard to date.