Bach: Brandenburg Concertos no 1-4 / Britten (Penguin Music Classics Series)

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Benjamin Britten (Conductor), Norman Knight (Performer), Richard Adeney (Performer), Philip Ledger (Performer), Ifor James (Performer), Peter Graeme (Performer), English Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra), David Mason (Performer), Emanuel Hurwitz (Performer), Douglas Adams (Artist)

Product Details

• Performer: Norman Knight, Richard Adeney, Philip Ledger, Ifor James, Peter Graeme, et al.
• Orchestra: English Chamber Orchestra
• Conductor: Benjamin Britten
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (September 29, 1998)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B00000AFQC
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #373,575 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The author essays found in the Penguin Music Classics collection are always an interesting read. For instance, in his liner notes for the Brandenberg Concertos, Douglas Adams describes how Bach's music is always distinguishable, no matter how experimental the instrumentation--from steel drum to nose flute. Bach, he asserts, "is pure music." The irony here, of course, is that the recording paired with Adams insight is anything but groundbreaking--there's not a nose flute, melodica, or bongo in sight. In fact, it's solid as a rock. Benjamin Britten leads the English Chamber Orchestra through these compositions and, though recorded in 1968, this disc definitely stands the test of time. Filled with modern instruments, this is a straightforward, and accurate, interpretation of the baroque masterpiece. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incomparable!, October 15, 2004

By	Ryan Kouroukis "In 1882 Richard Wagner said: ... (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

By far one of the greatest interpretation and recording of Bach's Brandenburgs. My favorite right after the Klemperer EMI recordings. Britten and the English Chamber Orchestra totally understand these pieces and they play with pure joy in their hearts!

But get the Double-Decca...you'd want all 6 of them to live with!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning! The Standard to Compare Against. A Classic, January 24, 2004

By	T. Carlsen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Stunning! Bach's brilliant and beautiful Brandenburg Concertos still amaze me after hearing them so many times. They are, without question, masterpieces. Bach realized music that transcends our normal definition of music. Just listen to the CD.

Of all the versions I have heard and/or own of the Brandenburg Concertos, this CD is the best of the first four concertos. It is the standard to compare against. That is why it has been chosen as a Penguin Classic. MUST HAVE!

The crispness, mood, and overall sound are sublime. The virtuoso playing is masterful. And the pieces are legendary. Everyone should own this CD.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eloquent performances!, December 20, 2005

By	Hiram Gomez Pardo (Valencia, Venezuela) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I will keep optimistic waiting for Deutsche Gramophone surprises us the next year with the releases of the formidable performances of Karl Haas in the early Fifties. I still own a sample of these golden recordings, pitifully very damaged in vinyl acetate.

But if I was requested for the other optional versions I would have to mention just four in this rigorous order: Casals Marlboro of the middle Fifties; this lovable set directed by Britten, Müchinger Munich, Nikolaus Harnoncourt set in the late Eighties, and finally the hyper romantic version of Menuhin Bath Festival.

A personal advise: Go to Amazon UK and search the double pack imported from Germany that includes the complete set. The sound is excellent and the spirit and commitment will amaze you