Bach: Orchestral Music (excluding solo concerti)

[dshea_32665]

I would love to get some reference recordings of the Brandenburg Concerti and Orchestral Suites. I own the Marriner recordings of these pieces which are good, but I am sure there are some other recordings that would be better?

dshea

 

[calaf]

my favourite Brandenburg is an old one with I Musici, Severino Gazzelloni et Felix Ayo (with Polygram). I have more recent recordings with period instruments (Hogwood, Giardino Armonico) but I find my old vinyl warmer and more elegant.

 

[Bunnyears]

I recently heard a new (for me) recording done by the Tafelmusik, a canadian group that just left me amazed. I have it ordered, but it hasn't arrived yet. I also have Trevor Pinnock's Brandenburg and Hogwood's (not recommended -- it gets old very quickly). Harnoncourt also has a very good Brandenburg.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...915730-2112749

 

[Tyson]

Pinnock is a good pick, but if forced to choose only one set of Brandenburgs, it'd be Il Giardino Armonico, no question. They are the best group of baroque musicians working today, IMO.

 

[Bunnyears]

I like them, but I also think that Le Concerts Des Nations of La Capella Reial de Catalunya also ranks up there, and they are much more period accurate than IGA.

 

[DarkAngel]

Everyone has different favorite, I really like AOE (age of enlightenment) new 4 CD concerto set, amazingly priced as single CD!

Virgin 4 Pleasure

This orchestra with is all star ensemble from Virgin label, noteable members:
Monica Huggett
Elizabeth Wallfish
Lisa Beznosiuk
I would buy it in a heartbeat but already have all individual CDs that comprise this set, sound quality is excellent.

 

[Bunnyears]

DA,
Thanks for the recommend. I am now into listening to the Tafelmusik Brandenburgs, and am presently being blown away by the 5th Concerto which has the most unbelievable harpsichordist around. Unlike all of the other Brandenburgs, they use the longer harpsichord solo and it is amazing. I'll write more about the other concertos in the set after more listening. I just have to say that the 5th is such a stand out that it is worth the price of the whole 2 disc set.

 

[Bunnyears]

Has anyone listened to or heard anything about the Brandenburgs by the German ensemble Akademie für alte Musik Berlin? They are very highly regarded in Europe.

 

[dshea_32665]

No I haven't. I will have to check out the Tafelmusik recording. The wife of the cellist in my trio plays in that group. I will have to tell her that you like the recordings.

dshea

 

[Bunnyears]

I am now listening to the Tafelmusik's recording of the Bach Orchestral Suites, and they are as good, or even better than the Brandenburg recordings. This is an ensemble that is should be around for a while. They are top-notch.