Recommendations "audiophile" Bach

[wavefunction]

Looking for Bach recordings that are especially well done. No background hiss, no sloppy stereo placements and weird dynamics etc. (I've heard too many that has had these faults.

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Let me start by my own tip: Brandenburg Concerto (Alessandrini) http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Brandenbu...2534994&sr=8-1 , I've never heard anything like it. Plays equally well on phones as on speakers. Great detail and intimacy for every instrument. Acoustics tasteful and only accentuates each parts of the orchestra without causing any "blur". You feel as though you are in the recording locale listening to the performers.

As for the performance itself, well it blew me away the first time through and I still am in awe when I listen to it. It is just so vibrant and joyful.

 

[tonym]

I've just got hold of Bach's 'Double' violin concertos on Harmonia Mundi (Rachel Podger -- Violin). It's the non-SACD version which is still highly regarded in terms of SQ.

 

[Tmij]

Viktoria Mullova

Watch her Chaconne on Youtube

*****

And if you love the Goldberg Variations, here's one not to miss-- an unprecendeted effort by Kurt Rodarmer to play it on the guitar--

 

[wavefunction]

Thank you for bringing so many recommendations.

Goldberg Variations on guitar eh? That I got to hear.

I have Glenn Gould piano version from 1981 which is good (performance wise its amazing) although I don't like the SQ of it (background hiss and poorly mic'ed)

 

[Tmij]

Here's a review of Rodarmer's GV:


Quote:

It is a rare pleasure to be able to recommend a recording of such astonishing musicianship. Kurt Rodarmer has crossed several barriers with his transcription of the Goldberg Variations for guitar. Rather than adopting the common practice of reducing (and compromising) the score to accommodate a single guitarist's limitations, he transcribed the entire score. He commissioned two custom-made guitars to accommodate the extended range of the score and used overdubbing the various lines to create a unified whole. The result, instead of sounding like an ensemble of guitars, creates the feeling of one guitarist playing with consistency and tremendous virtuosity. He maintains the authenticity and beauty of these works while also giving us something new . But it isn't just the technology that is impressive. His outstanding performance is full of expression with beautiful dynamic subtlety, bringing an intimacy to these often-recorded works that is not common even in keyboard versions. Also, he has clearly spent a great deal of time and care in developing the articulation of some notes and phrases, which adds a great deal to the musicality of his performance. He truly is a virtuoso and his mastery of the guitar as well as these works makes this recording an exceptionally rewarding experience.

Recording ain't too shabby as well

 

[hembergler]

I can second shovel's recommendations for Boston Baroque, and I'd also submit Amsterdam Baroque's Brandenburg Concertos as being excellent.

One of my favorite Bach performances has been the Goldberg Variations transcribed for strings. The recording is incredible, and the performance is simply amazing; I must prefer this 'variation' to more traditional performances. I'd put this one on my alltime favorite albums list.

 

[wavefunction]

I'll make a recommendation for just one track if thats ok. On telarcs bach 2000 disc box, vol7 chorales & wedding chorales: quodlibet BWV 524.
What a nice recording, except for some slight hiss if you play really loud. The acoustics captured here fits the piece perfectly. Each part of the four piece choir are given great dynamic considering the piece. Rather agressive stereo placement but I believe it is also fitting. Cembalo and cello backing given just perfect level. truly recommend this if you can get it separatly (the whole box is rather big.)

 

[ken36]

Nice detail.

 

[Squeek]

I'm surprised that no one has mention the Zenph re-performance of Gould's 1955 Goldberg Variations. Particularly since you are fond of the 1981.

 

[LeChuck]

The 1981 recording in this version uses the analog masters which were found to be superior in quality to the digital masters, which were previously used for the recording's publication. It sounds exceptional.

These two albums are amazing, highly recommended.

 

[wavefunction]

That's great recommendations guys!

I only have a NAXOS cell suite release (forgotten the performers name ) it is good but now I must listen to Rostropovich.

 

[zumaro]

Try this version of the cello suites instead - better audiophile recording, and the interpretations set a new benchmark