[ArtMusic]

 

[realdealblues]

Most of the time I still reach for Karl Richter

Surprisingly I actually really like Karajan's recording from the 60's. If Karajan gets a mention for Bach at all it's usually his later recording but I really like the warmth in this one and I don't mind the slower tempos at all.

I've got about 20-30 recordings of the Brandenburgs and I can't say there is a definitive recording for me at this point though.

 

[chesapeake bay]

Most of the time I still reach for Karl Richter
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I was going to mention Richter as well, very pleasant to listen to. The one caveat is that the Harpsichord is comparatively quite in the solo sections, though Richter is so good it really doesn't bother me, just turn it up

 

[Mal]

I seem to have lost my HIPness so I thought I'd retire Pinnock and sample MI versions of the first concerto. I found Richter too rigid in bad sound, and Suzuki strangely mannered. I liked Britten, Pommer, and Guttler and will be exploring their full sets in the not too distant future.

 

[Pugg]

Britten and Peter Schreier for me .

 

[joen_cph]

Digging up the olde thread, I´ll mention Max Pommer and also Robert Haydon Clark.

I´d probably prefer them to the others I´ve got (Neel, Münchinger, Karajan, Casals, Ristenpart, Leonhardt, Harnoncourt, Richter - all LPs).

 

[Merl]

2 total opposites for me - Britten and Butt. I return to the Butt / Dunedin recordings with greater frequency though. That low pitch is so unique.

 

[hpowders]

The first Trevor Pinnock is the best Brandenburg set I have ever heard.

 

[Pugg]

Surprisingly I actually really like Karajan's recording from the 60's. If Karajan gets a mention for Bach at all it's usually his later recording but I really like the warmth in this one and I don't mind the slower tempos at all.
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I've got about 20-30 recordings of the Brandenburgs and I can't say there is a definitive recording for me at this point though.

I like those 60's recordings also, much better than his later recording.

 

[bharbeke]

Besides Busch, what other recordings do posters know of with no harpsichord whatsoever? Thanks.

 

[Neal]

There are many wonderful period instrument Brandenburgs on disc, but the Goebel is my favorite. MI versions leave me cold; the strings sound all wrong.

 

[Pugg]

There are many wonderful period instrument Brandenburgs on disc, but the Goebel is my favorite. MI versions leave me cold; the strings sound all wrong.

They have to tune them more.:lol:

 

[pcnog11]

Pinnock has a couple of recordings - an older one with the English Concert on Archiv, which I enjoy, and a newer one with the European Brandenburg Ensemble on Avie which I haven't heard, but have read good things about. Pinnock, to me, is a good, solid HIP conductor, and I have generally enjoyed his works - they just aren't always my favorites.

I don't know the Abbado version - but I do have some of his other recordings with his Orchestra Mozart. I was highly disappointed with their recordings of Mozart's symphonies, but love their recording with Giuliano Carmignola of Mozart's Violin Concertos and Symphonia conertante. I suspect it was Carmignola that added to the improvement, and I love Carmignola's works, so having him on board for the Brandenburgs might just do it. I might look into this one myself.

The recording from Pinnock sound so different than other previously heard. Archiv did a great job in capturing them!

 

[Brahmsian Colors]

Raymond Leppard with the English Chamber Orchestra
Ton Koopman with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra

 

[Pugg]

Raymond Leppard with the English Chamber Orchestra
Ton Koopman with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra

Very different those two Haydn67 .

 

[Brahmsian Colors]

Very different those two Haydn67 .

Yes. While Leppard's exemplifies the more modern approach instrumentally, Koopman showcases original or "authentic" instrumentation.

 

[AeolianStrains]

What about the 100+ recordings of these works, which also should be mentioned?

When they rise to the quality of this HIP, why not?

 

[Oldhoosierdude]

Paillards Brandenburg is my favourite with Leppard second. I've listened to quite a few before coming to a conclusion.

 

[hpowders]

The first Trevor Pinnock with the English Concert.

Stay away from his later try.

 

[bigshot]

I think you can pretty much throw a dart at a wall full of CDs and do a decent job of finding a good Brandenburg. If you want the "best" one according to you, you're going to have to buy a bunch, listen for yourself and decide.