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Average customer rating: A Premier Bach Series Recording A nice way to complete your collection of Bach's concertos... "Best Bach - Box Set" Pinnock is good performer Unbeatable Value

Bach: Concertos Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Vivaldi Concertos Johann Sebastian Bach: 6 Brandenburg Concertos / 4 Orchestral Suites - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 Bach: The Art of Fugue; Musical Offering ASIN: B00004SAAY Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D minor, BVW 1052: 1. Allegro
2. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D minor, BVW 1052: 2. Adagio
3. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D minor, BVW 1052: 3. Allegro
4. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in E major, BVW 1053: 1. (without tempo indication)
5. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in E major, BVW 1053: 2. Siciliano
6. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in E major, BVW 1053: 3. Allegro
7. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D major, BVW 1054: 1. (without tempo indication)
8. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D major, BVW 1054: 2. Adagio e piano sempre
9. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in D major, BVW 1054: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in A major, BWV.1055: 1. Allegro
2. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in A major, BWV.1055: 2. Larghetto
3. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in A major, BWV.1055: 3. Allegro ma non tanto
4. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in F minor, BWV.1056: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
5. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in F minor, BWV.1056: 2. Largo
6. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in F minor, BWV.1056: 3. Presto
7. Concerto for Harpsichord, 2 Recorders and Strings in F major, BWV1057: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
8. Concerto for Harpsichord, 2 Recorders and Strings in F major, BWV1057: 2. Andante
9. Concerto for Harpsichord, 2 Recorders and Strings in F major, BWV1057: 3. Allegro assai
10. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in G minor, BWV1058: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
11. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in G minor, BWV1058: 2. Andante
12. Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings in G minor, BWV1058: 3. Allegro assai
13. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1060: 1. Allegro
14. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1060: 2. Adagio
15. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1060: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1061: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
2. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1061: 2. Adagio ovvero Largo - Nicholas Kraemer
3. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1061: 3. Fuga - Nicholas Kraemer
4. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1062: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
5. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1062: 2. Andante - Nicholas Kraemer
6. Concerto for 2 Harpsichords and Strings in C minor, BWV1062: 3. Allegro assai - Nicholas Kraemer
7. Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in D minor, BWV.1063: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
8. Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in D minor, BWV.1063: 2. Alla Siciliana - Nicholas Kraemer
9. Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in D minor, BWV.1063: 3. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer
10. Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1064: 1. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer
11. Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1064: 2. Adagio - Nicholas Kraemer
12. Concerto for 3 Harpsichords and Strings in C major, BWV1064: 3. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer
13. Concerto for 4 Harpsichords and Strings in A minor, BWV.1065: 1. (Without Tempo Indication) - Nicholas Kraemer
14. Concerto for 4 Harpsichords and Strings in A minor, BWV.1065: 2. Largo - Nicholas Kraemer
15. Concerto for 4 Harpsichords and Strings in A minor, BWV.1065: 3. Allegro - Nicholas Kraemer

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Flute, Violin, Harpsichord, Strings, and Basso Continuo in A minor, BWV1044 'Triple Concerto': 1. Allegro
2. Concerto for Flute, Violin, Harpsichord, Strings, and Basso Continuo in A minor, BWV1044 'Triple Concerto': 2. Adagio, ma non tanto, e dolce
3. Concerto for Flute, Violin, Harpsichord, Strings, and Basso Continuo in A minor, BWV1044 'Triple Concerto': 3. Allabreve
4. Concerto for Oboe, Violin, Strings, and Basso Continuo in C minor: 1. Allegro
5. Concerto for Oboe, Violin, Strings, and Basso Continuo in C minor: 2. Adagio
6. Concerto for Oboe, Violin, Strings, and Basso Continuo in C minor: 3. Allegro
7. Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Basso Continuo in A major: 1. (Without Tempo Indication)
8. Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Basso Continuo in A major: 2. Larghetto
9. Concerto for Oboe d'amore, Strings and Basso Continuo in A major: 3. Allegro ma non tanto

Tracks:

1. Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in A minor, BWV.1041: 1. (Allegro moderato) - Simon Standage
2. Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in A minor, BWV.1041: 2. Andante - Simon Standage
3. Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in A minor, BWV.1041: 3. Allegro assai - Simon Standage
4. Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in E major, BWV.1042: 1. Allegro - Simon Standage
5. Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in E major, BWV.1042: 2. Adagio - Simon Standage
6. Concerto for Violin, Strings and Continuo in E major, BWV.1042: 3. Allegro assai - Simon Standage
7. Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV.1043: 1. Vivace - Simon Standage
8. Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV.1043: 2. Largo ma non tanto - Simon Standage
9. Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV.1043: 3. Allegro - Simon Standage

Customer Reviews:

A Premier Bach Series Recording.......2007-03-26

I purchased these recordings nearly 20 years ago, when Deutsche Gramophone was still selling them as five individual discs, and at over $20 per disc. With the re-release of the set of all five discs in a single, price-reduced "Collectors Edition" box set, the price has fallen by more than half, making this one of the outstanding values for high-quality Bach recordings on today's market.

But what about the performances? Here's the best way I can sum it up. Having listened to these disks for some two decades, in the car, on the main home stereo system, on portable equipment, on the boom box, and etc., etc., it is, I imagine, inevitable that one ends up memorizing nearly every note. And with that familiarity comes the ability to detect flaws in the performance, missteps, missed beats, the occasional off-tone instrument. Here's the rub: it is difficult to locate any significant flaw in the performances. These performances are about as perfect as one can get, but having said that, there is more. The sound reproduction of this recording remains near or at the top of any Bach recordings with which I've become familiar, and remains in my own thinking the de facto standard by which other performances should be measured.

Sound too good to be true? Pick up a set and see for yourself. And then relish the thought that you paid $40 for a set worth far more.

A nice way to complete your collection of Bach's concertos..........2007-02-21

...and cheap to boot. This, paired with the Brandenburg Concertos/Overtures compilation from Arkiv (also featuring Pinnock and the English Concert), gives any new Bach fan a fairly complete account of Bach's instrumental orchestral output. This particular package includes all of Bach's keyboard concertos (played exceptionally well by Pinnock), all of his violin concertos, and also his Triple Concerto (Harpsicord, Flute and Violin), several works for Oboe and Oboe D'Amour, and several double concertos (2 violins, and oboe and violin). Highlights are the D Minor Harpsicord concerto BWV 1052, the C Major concerto for 2 Harpsicords BWV 1061, the Oboe D'Amour concerto BWV 1055, the double concerto BWV 1060, and the violin concertos.
This set sounds fantastic and is a great value to boot. Strongly recommended for those who loved Bach's Bradenburg concertos and Overtures and are looking for something new to sink their teeth into.

"Best Bach - Box Set".......2005-11-06

This is undoubtedly the best Back box set I have heard. These Concerto's for Harsichord, Violin, Flute and Oboe are among the finest in classical music. Although the Harpsichord volume level could have been a bit higher overall the recordings are very good. I am very pleased with this CD set with so much music at a very good price. This is truly a collectors gem.

Pinnock is good performer.......2005-09-30

Pinnock is good performer...I drop one start because BWV 1052-58
Might sound better when it's played piano.

Unbeatable Value.......2004-12-15

This set offers unbeatable value. The performances are uniformly excellent. Pinnock's Bach is brisk and sprightly when it should be, but also tender and relaxed when it must be. He is not afraid to slow down and savour the music, unlike many period-performance specialists. He is one of the world's great harpsichordists and his partners in the multiple concerti are also excellent. Simon Standage yields nothing to better-known soloists in the violin concerti.

The sound is clear, deep, and only a little bit on the bright side.

While you're at it, buy the Pinnock/English Concert complete Mozart symphonies. Sure, Mozart's first fifteen or so aren't anything special, but the set is superb and the price unbelievable.

Average customer rating: Fournier Cello Suites Sublime Definitive performances! Unparallelled Bach Lifeless

Bach: 6 Suiten für Violoncello solo Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Fournier, Pierre | ( F ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bach: Complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin Bach: Cello Suites Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin Bach: Suites for Solo Cello ASIN: B000001GRZ Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

1. Suite No. 1 In G Major BWV 1007: Prelude
2. Suite No. 1 In G Major BWV 1007: Allemande
3. Suite No. 1 In G Major BWV 1007: Courante
4. Suite No. 1 In G Major BWV 1007: Sarabande
5. Suite No. 1 In G Major BWV 1007: Menuet 1 - 2
6. Suite No. 1 In G Major BWV 1007: Gigue
7. Suite No 2 In D Minor BWV 1008: Prelude
8. Suite No 2 In D Minor BWV 1008: Allemande
9. Suite No 2 In D Minor BWV 1008: Courante
10. Suite No 2 In D Minor BWV 1008: Sarabande
11. Suite No 2 In D Minor BWV 1008: Menuet 1 - 2
12. Suite No 2 In D Minor BWV 1008: Gigue
13. Suite No. 3 In C Major BWV 1009: Prelude
14. Suite No. 3 In C Major BWV 1009: Allemande
15. Suite No. 3 In C Major BWV 1009: Courante
16. Suite No. 3 In C Major BWV 1009: Sarabande
17. Suite No. 3 In C Major BWV 1009: Bourree 1 - 2
18. Suite No. 3 In C Major BWV 1009: Gigue

Tracks:

1. Suiten No. 4 Es-dur Bmv 1010: 1. Prelude
2. Suiten No. 4 Es-dur Bmv 1010: 2. Allemande
3. Suiten No. 4 Es-dur Bmv 1010: 3. Courante
4. Suiten No. 4 Es-dur Bmv 1010: 4. Sarabande
5. Suiten No. 4 Es-dur Bmv 1010: 5. Bourree 1 - 2
6. Suiten No. 4 Es-dur Bmv 1010: 6. Gigue
7. Suite No. 5 c-moll Bmv 1011: 1. Prelude
8. Suite No. 5 c-moll Bmv 1011: 2. Allemande
9. Suite No. 5 c-moll Bmv 1011: 3. Courante
10. Suite No. 5 c-moll Bmv 1011: 4. Sarabande
11. Suite No. 5 c-moll Bmv 1011: 5. Gavotte 1 - 2
12. Suite No. 5 c-moll Bmv 1011: 6. Gigue
13. Suite No. 6 D-dur Bmv 1012: 1. Prelude
14. Suite No. 6 D-dur Bmv 1012: 2. Allemande
15. Suite No. 6 D-dur Bmv 1012: 3. Courante
16. Suite No. 6 D-dur Bmv 1012: 4. Sarabande
17. Suite No. 6 D-dur Bmv 1012: 5. Gavotte 1 - 2
18. Suite No. 6 D-dur Bmv 1012: 6. Gigue

Amazon.com

Elegance is the quality in Pierre Fournier's playing that makes the first and, ultimately, the most lasting impression. He finds great depth in the suites, but he shows constant awareness that he is playing mostly dance music (usually, and importantly, French dance music), that joy is its most important underlying emotion and that graceful movement and rhythmic fluency are essential. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Fournier Cello Suites.......2007-01-25

I love the way Fournier played. I had recordings of other pieces played by him, but hadn't thought to listen to the Bach Suites. I'm glad I ordered this product!

Sublime.......2006-12-17

There aren't words to describe how beautiful these recordings are. The virtuosity of Fournier coupled with the majesty of Bach's suites are transformative and not to missed.

Definitive performances!.......2006-11-07

The captivating sound, enriched lyricism and profound musicality of Pierre Fournier was always his quotidian landmark. All of us who have his famous Beethoven piano trios with Kempff and Szerying have realized his profound commitment and passion for the instrument.

And the whole result of these definitive Suites for cello could not be more fortunate. If I was required for the one hundred best performances of the XX Century, this recording should be included in most of lists.

A legendary album that for any reason must absent of your valued personal collection.

Unparallelled Bach.......2006-10-10

Fournier uses a rare circa-1722 Venetian Matteo Goffriler Cello for these recordings; hence their distinctive timbre which is without parallel in the Bach solo cello suites discography. Fournier's choice of instrument is vital in that Bach wrote these pieces between 1717 and 1723, while Kappelmeister in Kothen. This instrument, combined with Fournier's tasteful period-influenced lack of excessive vibrato may be the reason behind some of the less-than-positive reactions here. Incidentally, that Fournier's performance is still the benchmark for the repertory is evidenced by the fact that the original LPs featuring 2 suites apiece easily sell for a good deal more than the entire CD set as priced here. For those who prefer ahistorical histrionics, by all means go with Yo Yo. For those who would actually like to have a distinct notion of how these pieces must have sounded to Bach's contemporaries, I suggest the great Fournier.

Lifeless.......2006-07-13

There are far too many excuses made for interpretations of classical music in general but particularly for the music of J.S. Bach. The cello suites are perhaps the best work of Bach's to illustrate this as this incredibly over-rated recording does. What makes this music timeless is not that it is beautiful without any expression on the part of the performer or that it contains some dry charm that suggests a "refined" and "intellectual" approach. That the music itself contains little in the way of expression marks should not tell the performer to play without any interpretation, feeling, nuance, insight, or most importantly the quality of expanse. Calling a performance of Bach's music refined, elegant, or understated should be an insult not a compliment. The music is already elegant, refined, and understated thus implying the performer has imparted nothing. The performer's job is not to perform the music exactly as it is written, the performer does not work for the composer nor would the composer wish this. If performing a piece of music is as easy as playing what is on the page then just leave it to computers as they can play soullessly and exactly as the sheet appears. Period performance of Bach's music is even worse than this as we are forced to listen to horrible tone, dreadful intonation, and lifeless performances that need far too many excuses made for them. I'm sorry but performances as revered as this recording need so much more to be considered a standard/definitive interpretation. Adding a tiny rubato at the top and bottom of phrases and playing straight through the rest of the notes is not interpretation. Understatement can have a wonderful effect in performance, there is however a difference between understatement and playing flat. This recording features mechanical playing, lackluster interpretation, and disgustingly shrill tone. Music does not exist so we can play it the way we think it was once performed centuries ago or as it appears on the sheet. Music like this is bound by the means we have of showing it to others in a notational language. This music is not timeless because of some dry charm or elegance, it is timeless because of what it can suggest to the performer as it has to Pablo Casals, Rostropovich, Yo Yo Ma, Mischa Maisky, and most recently Matt Haimovitz. Ask Peter Philips of the Tallis Scholars and he will tell you the same thing. Rather than focus on what so called "scholars" have determined is the proper way for a composer's music to sound, the performer should instead focus on creating wonderful music, "period practice" be damned, using their own judgement and hopefully well-trained ear to determine their performance. Their is just so much more to be had in the performances mentioned above that this recording really needs to be forgotten.

Average customer rating: Another five-star review A wonderful and lifting experience Outstanding period performances Good Recordings! Top Notch Brandenburg

Johann Sebastian Bach: 6 Brandenburg Concertos / 4 Orchestral Suites - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock The English Concert , Trevor Pinnock , and Johann Sebastian Bach Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Concertos Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Le Quattro Stagioni Op 8 Nos 1-4) /Standage * English Concert * Pinnock Vivaldi Concertos Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert ASIN: B0000057D8 Release Date: 1989-05-09

Tracks:

1. Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: ohne Satzbezeichnung
2. Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: Adagio
3. Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: Allegro
4. Concerto No.1 BWV 1046: Menuetto - Trio 1 - Polacca - Trio 2
5. Concert No.2 BWV 1047: ohne Satzbezeichnung
6. Concert No.2 BWV 1047: Andante
7. Concert No.2 BWV 1047: Allegro assai
8. Concerto No.3 BWV 1048: ohne Satzbezeichnung
9. Concerto No.3 BWV 1048: Adagio
10. Concerto No.3 BWV 1048: Allegro
11. Concerto No.4 BWV 1049: Allegro
12. Concerto No.4 BWV 1049: Andante
13. Concerto No.4 BWV 1049: Presto

Tracks:

1. Concerto No.5 BWV 1050: Allegro
2. Concerto No.5 BWV 1050: Affettuoso
3. Concerto No.5 BWV 1050: Allegro
4. Concerto No.6 BWV 1051: ohne Satzbezeichnung
5. Concerto No.6 BWV 1051: Adagio ma non tanto
6. Concerto No.6 BWV 1051: Allegro
7. Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Ouverture
8. Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Courante
9. Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Gavotte 1-2
10. Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Forlane
11. Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Menuet 1-2
12. Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Bourree 1-2
13. Ouvertures No.1 BWV 1066: Passepied 1-2

Tracks:

1. Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Ouverture
2. Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Rondeau
3. Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Sarabande
4. Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Bourree 1-2
5. Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Polonaise
6. Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Menuet
7. Ouverture No.2 BWV 1067: Badinerie
8. Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Ouverture
9. Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Air
10. Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Gavotte 1-2
11. Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Bourree
12. Ouverture No.3 BWV 1068: Gigue
13. Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Ouverture
14. Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Bourree 1-2
15. Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Gavotte
16. Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Menuet 1-2
17. Ouverture No.4 BWV 1069: Rejouissance

Customer Reviews:

Another five-star review.......2007-03-27

I first heard this recording when I got it out of the library and found it so incredible that I had to buy it for myself. The sound is warm, not tinny like the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (the other recording I have, which I've never been terribly fond of), and very expressive. I cannot add any technical comments to the other reviews already written, but I can say that I agree that Trevor Pinnock and Simon Standage are a Baroque musical force to be reckoned with.

A wonderful and lifting experience.......2007-03-02

For me the only lacks in here are just for personal tastes: I find the fifth and sixth concertos a bit boring. On the other hand I've got already six different versions of these Brandenburg and this is which I like the most. The sound is (IMPRESSIVE) crystal clear and is played not only flawless, but with such devotion and passion that I almost fell on my knees the first time I listened to it.
I also recomend the version of Reinhard Goebel guiding the Música Antiqua Köln: it's awsome with its fabolous recreation of the baroque sounds.
If you like Bach and if you had the I Musici version of these Concertos, throw them away and get this Pinnock's: you won't regret a bit and you will be skyrocketed to Heaven.

Outstanding period performances.......2007-02-21

These recordings are excellent. Pinnock's Brandenburg concertos remain the standard for period instruments, offering exceptional musicianship and an authentic rendition. The Overtures are also great, although I greatly prefer the readings of Reinhard Goebel and Musica Antiqua Koln to these. Still, as a low-priced compilation of Bach's most popular orchestral works, this is an excellent set, and you could do much worse. Those who are new to classical music will find this set to be a great starting point.
In spite of the fact that the Brandeburg concertos were recorded using early digital technology, the intimate setting of these small ensembles neutralizes many of the problems of tinny, hollow sound that plagued the digital format in its early years. As for the Orchestral Suites, these were recorded using analog technology and sound fantastic.
These recordings are integral for those who prefer period instrument performances, and this is one of the great pioneering period instrument ensembles out there. Recommended.

Good Recordings!.......2007-01-15

In my opinion this set of recordings is very good. I study music and I have no complaints about how they were done. If you are looking for a very sufficient set of recordings for these works, this is definatly the set.

Top Notch Brandenburg.......2007-01-07

There are tons of Brandenburg recordings out there. How they stack up, of course, is a matter of personal taste. But having listened to many, this one stands out. It's crisp, fresh, and brings out the power of the music. In far too many renditions of Bach, much gets lots. Not so here. Certainly better technology has made things easier over the years. We can hear what might have been muffled in the past. But more than that, this interpretation makes the work come alive. Well done Trevor Pinnock.

Average customer rating: Superb Performance and musical Work A nice set at a nice price!

Complete Organ Concertos Handel , Preston , Pinnock , and English Concert Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Handel - Concerti grossi, op. 6 / AAM · Manze Manfredini: CONCERTI GROSSI OP. 3 Nos. 1-12 Bach: Concertos Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures ASIN: B000065TV0 Release Date: 2002-06-11

Customer Reviews:

Superb Performance and musical Work.......2007-05-19

G.F. Haendel is mostly known for his masterly written great vocal works, his instrumental work being less known for the wider public, except for Music for Royal Fireworks and Water Music. Though not an expert on classical music, I think this trio would give almost every listener a sheer joy (I, Personally, enjoy listening to all 3 cd's one by one, when I have the time), for one gets a great performance, as he would usually do when it comes to the English Concert, of all of Haendel's Organ Concertos for a great price (about 7$ a disc).

A nice set at a nice price!.......2007-01-16

Prior to this 3-CD set, I had owned an old LP recording of the complete Handel Organ Concerti. What a treat this performance is! I'm a fan of the English Consort with Trevor Pinnock, so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this recording.

These are fun pieces that any baroque lover would enjoy.

A 3-CD set for under $25 was quite a bargain.

Average customer rating: The best period instrument Mozart symphony cycle around The best period orchestra Mozart symphonies around! A Beautiful Time Capsule Another BBB (basically bland Brit) recording Pinnock excellent, DG Archiv sound variable

Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert Mozart , Ecc , and Pinnock Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Piano Concertos Bach: Concertos Haydn: Complete Symphonies (Box Set) Dvorák: The Symphonies Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures ASIN: B000069KJ3 Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

1. Molto Allegro
2. Andante
3. Presto
4. Allegro Assai
5. Andante
6. Presto
7. Allegro
8. Andante
9. Presto
10. Allegro
11. Andante
12. Molto Allegro
13. Allegro Maestoso
14. Andante
15. Presto
16. Allegro
17. Andante
18. Menuetto - Trio
19. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Molto Allegro
2. Andante
3. Menuetto - Trio
4. Molto Allegro
5. Allegro
6. Andante
7. Menuetto - Trio
8. Molto Allegro
9. Allegro
10. Andante
11. Menuetto - Trio
12. Molto Allegro
13. Allegro Maestoso
14. Andante
15. Menuetto - Trio
16. Allegro
17. Allegro
18. Andante
19. Menuetto - Trio
20. Allegro
21. Allegro
22. Andante
23. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Menuetto - Trio
4. Presto
5. Allegro
6. Andante
7. Menuetto - Trio
8. Allegro
9. Allegro
10. Andante
11. Allegro
12. Allegro
13. Andante
14. Menuetto - Trio
15. Allegro Molto
16. Allegro
17. Andantino
18. Menuetto - Trio
19. Allegro
20. Allegro
21. Andante
22. Menuetto - Trio
23. Molto Allegro

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Allegro
4. Allegro
5. Andante
6. Menuetto - Trio
7. Allegro
8. Allegro
9. Andante
10. Menuetto - Trio
11. Molto Allegro
12. Allegro Moderato
13. Andante
14. Menuetto - Trio
15. Molto Allegro
16. Allegro
17. Andante
18. Menuetto - Trio
19. Presto

Tracks:

1. Allegro Maestoso
2. Andante Grazioso
3. Allegro
4. Allegro
5. Andante
6. Allegro
7. Allegro
8. Andantino Grazioso
9. Menuetto - Trio
10. Molto Allegro
11. Allegro
12. Andante
13. Menuetto - Trio
14. Allegro
15. Molto Presto
16. Andante
17. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Menuetto - Trio
4. (Allegro)
5. Allegro
6. Andante
7. Menuetto - Trio
8. Allegro
9. Allegro Assai
10. Andantino Grazioso
11. Presto Assai
12. Allegro Spiritoso
13. Andantino Grazioso
14. Presto Assai
15. Allegro
16. Andantino Grazioso
17. Presto

Tracks:

1. Allegro Spiritoso
2. Andantino Grazioso
3. Allegro
4. Allegro Con Brio
5. Andante
6. Menuetto - Trio
7. Allegro
8. Molto Allegro
9. Andantino Con Moto
10. Menuetto - Trio
11. Presto
12. Allegro Assai
13. Andante
14. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Allegro Moderato
2. Andante
3. Menuetto - Trio
4. Allegro Con Spirito
5. Allegro Spiritoso
6. Andante
7. Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
8. Presto
9. Allegro Assai
10. Andante Moderato
11. Menuetto - Trio
12. Allegro Assai

Tracks:

1. Allegro Spiritoso
2. Andante
3. Tempo Primo
4. Allegro Vivace
5. Andante Di Molto Piu Tosto Allegretto
6. Finale: Allegro Vivace
7. Allegro Con Spirito
8. Andante
9. Menuetto - Trio
10. Presto
11. Adagio - Allegro Spiritoso
12. Andante
13. Menuetto - Trio
14. Presto

Tracks:

1. Adagio - Allegro
2. Andante
3. Presto
4. Adagio - Allegro
5. Andante Con Moto
6. Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
7. Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

1. Molto Allegro
2. Andante
3. Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
4. Allegro Assai
5. Allegro Vivace
6. Andante Cantabile
7. Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
8. Molto Allegro

Customer Reviews:

The best period instrument Mozart symphony cycle around.......2005-11-24

Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert turn in the best period instrument Mozart Symphony cycle around. With 20-30 players, the English Concert sounds full and rich, and are so well recorded, one could mistake them for a modern instrument chamber orchestra augmented with more players for a bigger sound. The early symphonies employ fewer players, the symphonies from about No. 20 and following call for more players, in some cases trumpets, horns and timpani in addition to the usual strings, harpsichord, flutes, oboes, and bassoon.

Pinnock chooses perfect tempos for the English Concert: allegros are spritely, but not driven and there's never a sense that the musicians are having trouble keeping up at Pinnock's tempos. Andante movements sing with the cantabile quality Mozart is famous for, and are always musical and flowing: very beautiful.

I am not a big fan of period instrument Mozart. I have heard Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music (L'Oiseau Lyre) in Mozart Symphonies 34, 38, 39, and 41 and that's enough to give me a sense that Pinnock is superior - more confident, and better recorded - to Hogwood in this music. Haydn's symphonies seem to work better with period instruments than do Mozart's, but Pinnock and the English Concert have a special musical quality which MAKE Mozart work with a period orchestra. Incidentally, both Pinnock and Hogwood have recorded very fine Haydn Symphonies with their respective orchestras.

I have also read, in AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (July/August 2005 issue) in a review of the Mozart Symphonies with Linden/Mozart Academy of Amsterdam, a period orchestra (Brilliant Classics set) that Pinnock's Mozart cycle is to be preferred. I have not heard Linden myself, but ARG's review states that with the exception of Symphonies 20, 39, 40, and 41, Pinnock "wins across the board." The reviewer cites sour tuning, below standard pitch, sloppy playing, not enough contrasts of dynamic range and pokey allegros, as liabilites which are especially annoying in Linden's cycle, and advises the reader to go with Pinnock if looking for a period cycle of Mozart symphonies.

Other options? Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (DG); Krips/Concertgebouw (for Symphonies 21-41, Philips); Hans Graf/Mozarteum Orchestra, Salzburg (Capriccio); and Nicholas Ward/Northern Chamber Orchestra, modern instrument chamber orchestra (for early symphonies, Naxos). But unless you really hate period instruments, you will like Pinnock, as I do, and as I stated earlier: I am not a fan of period instrument Mozart.

The best period orchestra Mozart symphonies around!.......2005-08-23

Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert perform Mozart's symphonies with great style, elan, and spirit, making this the best period orchestra Mozart Symphonies around. Pinnock deals alot in contrasts and atmosphere, setting a mood for each movement, within each symphony. The English Concert plays even Mozart's earliest symphonies-written when he was a pre-teen-as great music, and it works, very effectively. Allegros bristle with spirit, Andantes and Adagios emphasize cantabile (singing style) as all Mozart's music has a vocal/singing emphasis (in contrast to Haydn or Beethoven, who tend to build movements arount motives, or rhythmic patterns of notes; Mozart emphasizes melody moreso in many of his works).

I am not a fan of period instruments in music of Haydn, Mozart, and any composers after Bach and Handel, but this cycle is really fine. My favorite Mozart Symphonies have been Karl Bohm/Berlin Philharmonic (complete cycle, DG); 21-41 by Joseph Krips/Concertgebouw Orchestra (Philips, coupled with Marriner/Academy of St. Martin in the fields for 1-20); Bruno Walter/New York Philharmonic for Symphonies 25,28,29,35,36,38-41 (Sony); Otto Klemperer/Philharmonia for Symphonies 36,38-41 (EMI). But, Pinnock's accounts are spirited and the English Concert, at about 20-25 players, doesn't sound scrawny or ineffective at all. If you're used to the sonority of the Berlin Philharmonic or Philharmonia Orchestra, this will take some getting used to, but it is very good.

This could be called "period instrument Mozart for those who don't like period instruments." I have heard Christopher Hogwood/Academy of Ancient Music in Symphonies 34,38,39,41, and they are not as good as Pinnock's accounts. Hogwood's orchestra sounds small, puny compared with Pinnock's more robust group. I am not meaning to degrade Hogwood, as I have a number of fine recordings of his: Beethoven Symphonies 1,2;
Handel's MESSIAH; Haydn Symphonies 94, 96; Boyce Opus 6 Symphonies. But in Mozart Symphonies, I prefer Pinnock.

Pinnock's set is also well recorded, adding to it's high quality. You can't go wrong with these, unless you absolutely hate period instruments.

A Beautiful Time Capsule.......2005-04-08

In comparing this recording, with its use of original instruments, and my favorite recordings with modern instruments, I find I prefer this. It doesn't lose any power, but it gains by the imaginative process of listening to the music as Mozart would have heard it. The collection is also a wonderful way to listen to the progression of Mozart's music throughout his life. As you listen to the first two of the eleven discs, you'll be amazed at the symphonies he wrote when he was only nine years old!

Another BBB (basically bland Brit) recording.......2005-04-06

This is a short review because when you've heard one of these you've heard them all. They're all played in the same starched, stiff mannor, with brisk tempi, little feeling, no shaping of phrase, and no color. The Mozart symphonies--the latter ones, anyway--have their own style and merit different approaches (No. 31, the "Paris," is almost curtain-raiser music for an opera buffa, for example, while No. 39 is in some ways proto-Beethoven, harmonically sharing a good deal with the "Eroica," and No. 40 shows Mozart heading into a realm of a basically Romantic chromaticism that would have led to much fascinating music if he'd lived longer and written more in that style). Yet here all the works are played interchangably. These are performances that could have been generated on a computer.

The sound is excellent, but that's about all there is to recommend this set. Hogwood's traversal on period instruments has more personality, believe it or not. And to really show what can be done with works like these on HIP instruments, try Franz Bruggen's remarkable recordings of the Haydn symphonies on Philips. I can't recommend this set, and I got it for considerably less than the Amazon price, too.

Pinnock excellent, DG Archiv sound variable.......2005-02-18

I greatly admire Pinnock's style, directing skill and harpsichord playing, but I don't understand the variability of sound balance achieved on his many recordings by DG. Most are recorded in Henry Wood Hall and have the same "tonmeister" and producers. For example his recording of the Bach Violin Concertos is vibrant, full bodied and has a great "presence", whereas on the other end of the spectrum, the last disc of the symphonies, 40 and 41, is really anemic, with pratically no bass. I gave them a +12db bass boost to try and compensate for the lack of bass, but there was hardly any difference in the low end response. In order to listen to this disc, and to some extent the prior two as well, I have reverted to my volume expander used with vinyl records from the 70's.

My system has very clean and deep bass response and handles Telarc organ recordings with great effect, so I do not believe it is that. And, as I stated the violin concertos have a great presence, to the point where I can visualize the bass and cello players bowing their instruments. It may be do to different microphone placement for the larger ensemble of the latter symphonies, without compensating for the different acoustic.

When it comes to Archiv's 4D recordings of the English Concert, I do not like them at all. The choir from the Mozart Coronation Mass sounds like it is being piped down from outer space, detached and way to ethereal. The Telemann suites do not fare any better, thin and anemic. Don't think the extended dynamic range and lower threshold noise level helped in any way.

I should also add that I have about every recording of Pinnock and the English Concert, really the best "Original Instruments Group" out there. In my humble opinion, Pinnock should have a "Sir" in front of his name.

Average customer rating: The best recording of this piece Mechanical and Unimpressive The best Four Seasons ever! Thrilling, improvisational, and tightly synchronized Great, but check out Pina Carmirelli's version too

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Le Quattro Stagioni Op 8 Nos 1-4) /Standage * English Concert * Pinnock Antonio Vivaldi , Trevor Pinnock , The English Concert , and Simon Standage Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Johann Sebastian Bach: 6 Brandenburg Concertos / 4 Orchestral Suites - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock Vivaldi Concertos Handel - Messiah / Augér, von Otter, Chance, Crook, Tomlinson, English Concert, Pinnock Vivaldi: 7 Concerti Bach: Concertos ASIN: B0000057CA Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Four Seasons: 1. Allegro
2. The Four Seasons: 2. Largo e pianissimo sempre
3. The Four Seasons: 3. Danza pastorale. Allegro
4. The Four Seasons: 1. Allegro non molto
5. The Four Seasons: 2. Adagio - Presto
6. The Four Seasons: 3. Presto
7. The Four Seasons: 1. Allegro
8. The Four Seasons: 2. Adagio
9. The Four Seasons: 3. Allegro
10. The Four Seasons: 1. Allegro non molto
11. The Four Seasons: 2. Largo
12. The Four Seasons: 3. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

The best recording of this piece.......2007-04-04

This is by far the best recording I've ever heard of The Four Seasons. It isn't rushed, it doesn't drag, the pauses and ritards are just perfect, and the musicianship of the Pinnock and Standage is superb.

Mechanical and Unimpressive.......2005-10-09

Trevor Pinnock is one of the leaders in conducting German Baroque pieces such as Bach's and is a reknown performer for Bach's harpsichord works but his skilled discipline is a diservice to his conducting Vivaldi or Italian Baroque pieces as he conducts from the harpsichord from where he is conducting Bach and not Vivaldi. This is still not the worst interpretation in the countless recordings presently on the market (almost all of which are simply horrible) but it is certainly not one of the best ones either.

Pinnock and The English Concert come more from a German Baroque background and emphasize their techniques of precision too much as opposed to emphasizing on the free lyrical requirements of this particular piece. As a result, they sound as if they are struggling with the piece instead of actually playing its lyrical imagery. The performance is sluggish and slow when the piece actually requires a more feverish interpretation. The ensemble mostly sounds like its losing its tempo as a result.

The spotlight reviewer claiming that he/she heard almost all renditions of 'The Four Seasons' has obviously not heard of I Musici di Roma or their 1982 performance with Pina Carmirelli. Although I Musici sacrifices some of the more archaic Baroque techniques for Italian Romantic ones, they pretty much stay with traditional Baroque forms and perform almost exclusively on Stradivarius instruments that are incomparable in their quality and range of sound. The strings in Pinnock's performance here may play a original period violins but they are certainly not Stradivari: there is simply no comparison. The lead violist, as with Pinnock also seems more to have more training in German Baroque than Italian and this also undermines their overall performance of this work. In comparison to Pinnock and his Bach background, I Musici are unquestionably some of the best Baroque musicians in the world particularly for Italian High Baroque such as Vivaldi. They have been around for 50 years and have been praised by Toscanini as being singularly the best Baroque ensemble in the world. Another very good Stradivarius performance is by Salvatore Accardo and I Solisti delle Settimane Musicali di Napoli. Accardo had actually played this piece with I Musici before but this is probably his own best performance as a soloist for this piece. Despite Accardo's phenomenal talent for Vivaldi, I have found really no better work than Pina Carmirelli's 1982 performance. Superior to Accardo in mood, clarity, and continuity, it simply leaves Trevor Pinnock's rather pedantic performance shamefully in the dust along with all others that are out on the market as the differences are exponential.

The best Four Seasons ever!.......2005-09-07

Nothing I've heard about this masterpiece is comparable to the Pinnock and Co. performance. A joy for the ears, soul and heart. A piece everybody wants to have in her/his collection. I like also the sound of this CD.

This work will be a reference for many years to come.

Thrilling, improvisational, and tightly synchronized.......2005-03-23

To most people, Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is the ultimate example of wallpaper music, fit only for pretentious wine and cheese soirees and background music in TV ads. And sadly, there are many bland performances on the market that vindicate this stereotype, draining these four fascinating concertos of their exceptional color and vitality.

To counter this stereotype, some performers misguidedly drench The Four Seasons in anachronistic emotionality, overwhelming Vivaldi's textures with orchestras that are too large, tempos that are too plodding, and drippy romantic-era flourishes that gum up the works. The best performances are more subtle, bringing out the improvisational quality of the solo violin writing, the vividness and delicacy of the nature-painting, and the buoyancy and tenseness of the ensemble writing throughout.

This CD is such a performance! In this pathbreaking digital recording from the 1980s, Trevor Pinnock and his ensemble, fronted by the phenomenally talented violin soloist Simon Standage, deliver unparalleled drama, delicacy, and virtuoso showmanship. "Spring" is childlike and stately; "Summer" is languorous and vaguely ominous; "Autumn" is jaunty and free-spirited; and "Winter," the climax of the cycle, is performed with almost psychedelic clarity--the falling rain is almost tangible in the slow movement, and the edgy, improvisational final movement is so vivid you can practically feel yourself slipping on the ice as The Four Seasons approaches its furious close.

Throughout the performance, the English Concert accompanies Standage with almost frightening precision, and Standage's solo runs are simply breathtaking in their speed and communicative tension. No other performance of the Four Seasons combines such well-balanced sound with such incredible virtuosity.

In sum, highly recommended!

P.S. I suppose I neglected to mention that this is an "original-instrument" performance. I really don't care much about that either way; the whole debate is pretty pretentious. What I like is a great, communicative performance--period! However, if the "authentic" sound will bother you, I recommend Neville Marriner's 1970 performance of The Four Seasons with the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. It has the rounder, warmer sound of modern instruments but captures much of the buoyant, improvisational quality (and dramatic tension) that is so crucial to these works. Most importantly, it respects the balance of the baroque orchestra, bringing out the drama and color that Vivaldi wrote rather than ladling soup all over it. It's really a wonderful performance, and it's pretty cheap too, last time I checked.

Great, but check out Pina Carmirelli's version too.......2004-07-22

The review of this version of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons (Simon Standage with The English Concert directed by Trevor Pinnock) dated December 22, 2003 by "A Music Fan" from San Diego, CA mentioned that you might want to check out the I Musici version too. (S)he is right. But (s)he misspelled the name of the soloist, Pina Carmirelli, causing me to hurle invective at the computer until I finally tracked it down. It's the version dated October 25, 1990, on the Philips Digital Classics label, ASIN: B0000040VO. And yeah, it's a doozy. You might want to own both. They're intriguingly different.

Average customer rating: Love it! Fantastic! Rameau, Minkowski: an intelligent concert! A beautiful bit of late Baroque Color A hoot!

Rameau: Une Symphonie Imaginaire Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rameau | Rameau, Jean Philippe | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rameau: Orchestral Suites (vol. 1) Vivaldi: Bajazet [Includes Bonus DVD] Biber: Missa Christi resurgentis Rameau: Ballet Suites Jean-Baptiste Lully: L'Orchestre du Roi Soleil ASIN: B000935TV8 Release Date: 2005-06-14

Tracks:

1. Ouverture
2. Scene Funebre
3. Air Tendre
4. Tambourins I & II
5. Air Tendre Pour Les Muses
6. Contredanse
7. Air Gracieux
8. Gavottes I & II
9. Orage
10. Prelude
11. La Poule
12. Musette
13. Ritournelle
14. Riguadons I & II
15. Danse Des Sauvages
16. Entre De Polymnie
17. Chaconne

Customer Reviews:

Love it!.......2006-11-10

Love it, love it, love it. Have not stopped playing it since it arrived and haven't gotten sick of it yet either. I bought it because I heard just one track briefly on the radio - bit of a gamble but it paid off. Great to drive to! Love the fast violin playing and the french horns. Rameau was one cool dude. Can't wait to share it with my dad. Am even wondering if I could wire the garage for sound so we can listen to Rameau while working there over Christmas! (Sorry this is not a high brow, classical music critic kind of review with lots of technical observations - I'm just a passionate classical music lover speaking from the heart).

Fantastic!.......2006-07-15

Great,I heard this piece on ABC Classic fm yesterday,the 14th of July....Amazon is a day late.Thank you to the programmer,they often use the savage dance as a theme.I must have this CD the thumping tympani and the tambourine really brightens up my day.I didn't even know there was a fugal bassoon movement!
The true french baroque is far better than any thing Handel could wright or borrow.Vivre Rameau!Beautifully played by all,the tempo and ornamentation's are perfect in all parts.Vivre Les Musciens du Louvre!Vivre Motorola for having a camera on their phones so I don't have to remember how to spell in french.
I do not work for any party mentioned.

Rameau, Minkowski: an intelligent concert!.......2006-04-14

Minkowki dedicated this album to his father, Dr. Alexandre Minkowski. The symphony imaginaire recorded live, is for him a personal intimate selection. This is intelligent, sensitive and extremely well played music by Rameau.
I stumbled upon this recording after being impressed by the last Bartoli recording with Les Musiciens du Louvre. Happy me!
The SACD is worth it.

A beautiful bit of late Baroque Color.......2005-09-12

I plan to give copies of this CD to my friends whose musical taste froze 35 years ago and who think of Baroque music as just so much "sewing machine music". Rameau was an imaginative instrumental colorist, and these dance pieces, taken from several of his operas and ballets, show him at his best in that regard.
While the conceit of calling this a "symphony" may seem strange, the pieces are arranged to form a nice sequence and, most importantly, are engagingly played by this early music ensemble. The interpretation is lively and the playing stylish. The sonics are detailed without being analytical.
I would recommend this to anyone as an introduction to the joys of French Baroque, but would encourage a follow-up purchase of one of the full operas.

A hoot!.......2005-08-20

Within a few seconds after pressing the "play" button for this CD, the sound of a percussionist beating the tar out of the tympani emergeged from my speakers. The waps and thumps are intermittenly interrupted by an orchestra on steroids. From there this production goes on a musical romp that I regret hearing come to an end. I'm not sure if this is authentic French baroque; but as a musical listening experience it is a blast. Great sound. Great energy. Wonderful music.

Average customer rating: The best Beethoven symphonic cycle available at the moment Amazing An Outstanding Symphonic Cycle Excellent Haven't Heard Better Really

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies / Gardiner Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique , John Eliot Gardiner , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , Gilles Cachemaille , The Monteverdi Choir , Anne Sofie von Otter , and Luba Orgonasova Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Orchestre Rivolutionnaire et Romantique | ( O ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Otter, Anne Sophie von | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven - The Symphonies / Augér, Robbin, Rolfe Johnson, Reinhart, AAM, Hogwood Beethoven - Missa Solemnis / Margiono * Robbin * Kendall * Miles * EBS * Gardiner Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert Schumann: Complete Symphonies Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet ASIN: B0000057EO Release Date: 1994-09-20

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 1. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 2. Andante cantibile con moto
3. Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 3. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
4. Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 4. Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
5. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 1. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
6. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 2. Larghetto
7. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 3. Scherzo: Allegro
8. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 4. Allegro molto

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': 1. Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': 2. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai
3. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': 3. Scherzo: Allegro vivace
4. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': 4. Finale: Allegro molto
5. Symphony No. 4 In B-Flat Major, Op. 60: 1. Adagio - Allegro vivace
6. Symphony No. 4 In B-Flat Major, Op. 60: 2. Adagio
7. Symphony No. 4 In B-Flat Major, Op. 60: 3. Allegro vivace
8. Symphony No. 4 In B-Flat Major, Op. 60: 4. Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 1. Allegro con bri
2. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 2. Andante con moto
3. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 3. Allegro
4. Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 4. Allegro
5. Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro ma non troppo: Awakening Of Cheeful Feeling Upon Arrival In The Country
6. Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': 2. Andante molto mosso: Scene By The Brook
7. Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': 3. Allegro: Merry Gathering Of Country Folk
8. Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': 4. Allegro - Thunderstorm
9. Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': 5. Allegretto: Shepherd's Song: Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 7 In A Minor, Op. 92: 1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
2. Symphony No. 7 In A Minor, Op. 92: 2. Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 7 In A Minor, Op. 92: 3. Presto
4. Symphony No. 7 In A Minor, Op. 92: 4. Allegro con brio
5. Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 1. Allegro vivace e con brio
6. Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 2. Allegretto scherzando
7. Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 3. Tempo di Menuetto
8. Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 4. Allegro vivace

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 1. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
2. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 2. Molto vivace
3. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 3. Adagio nolto e cantabile
4. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 4. Presto
5. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 4. Presto - 'O Freunde, nicht diese Tone!' - Allegro assai

Tracks:

1. English Interview - Beethoven
2. German Interview - Beethoven
3. French Interview - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

The best Beethoven symphonic cycle available at the moment.......2007-02-18

This is the best recording of the symphonies of Beethoven available at the moment. The tempi are right and the orchestra plays with greta skill and fire.

Gardiner did his homework on these works, finding, with the help of a musicologist, the scores of much of Beethoven's music. Who would have ever thought that the first subject of the fifth was plagiarised from a French folk song?

If you're after a good set of the Beethoven symphonies, look no further.

If you like the HIP approach, you may also consider the cycles by Brüggen, Hogwood, Norrington and Goodman. Brüggen's is very strong and Hogwood's was the first cycle on period instruments. Norrington's set follows the metronome markings very closely.

Amazing.......2007-01-02

By my estimation this is the best single cycle of Beethoven symphonies available. Since there are so many great recordings of Symphonies 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9, I won't focus on those as much.

Symphony No. 1 is performed very well. It is taken a bit faster (a general theme of this set) than, say, Karajan, Bernstein or Bohm would take it. This is a good thing.

For Symphony No. 2, I would actually recommend a compliment to this CD. Robert Levin (on the fortepiano) and members of the ORR recorded the chamber version of this work (for piano trio), mostly arranged by Beethoven himself. It is really interesting to contrast the two. I'd recommend that CD as well (it also comes with a piano quartet arrangment [again by Beethoven] of the fourth piano concerto. It is by Achriv Blue).

Symphony No. 3: The DEFINITIVE version of this symphony. Great throughout.

Symphony No. 4: This performance is the reason you should get this set. Symphony No. 4 has been largely ignored in favor of the odd number Symphonies. Here we have the DEFINITIVE, must have performance of this work. The finale is amazing, as is the deep beginning. The work is also the epitome of Beethoven's second style period, from the deep, gloomy beginning to the triumphant, allegro finale (in this performance, their is no "ma non troppo"; it is played more like a slow "presto vivace" than "allegro ma non troppo," which works very well). Great performance.

Symphony No. 5 is also brilliantly played. Among the best recordings of that symphony.

Symphony No. 6: The weak link of the more popular works in this set, though it is still very, very good.

Symphony No. 7: The scherzo here is light and playful. The pavonne second movement is very deep and moving. The finale is very heroic. I really like the sound of the horns; I think they work very well.

Symphony No. 8: Since this one is sandwiched between the great Symphonies No. 7 and 9, I think it has been largely ignored, much like Symphony No. 4 is with 3 and 5. Therefore, see Symphony No. 4.

Symphony No. 9: Where to start? This is THE DEFINITIVE and BEST version of this symphony available. The tempi are much faster than the other great conductors of the 20th century (Karajan, Bohm, Bernstein, Furtwangler, et al). The scherzo is really nice. The biggest difference between the finale of this recordings and the finale of other recordings is the tempo. This is especially evident in the march section. In Karajan and Bohm, it's more of a dirge than a march. Here, the tenor sounds light and easy, whereas in the other versions he (typically) sounds slow and strained.

Overall, this set is well worth owning. You will not be disappointed.

An Outstanding Symphonic Cycle.......2006-12-16

In the December issue of Gramophone playing Beethoven's symphonies in the 21st century was discussed, and among the top five symphony cycles recorded. I grew up listening to the Beethoven symphonies played by modern symphony orchestras so when the period instrument movement came along it was a revelation. John Elliot Gardiner's recordings were made following research that provided greater insight into Beethoven's symphonies and corrected errors that had existed from copyist errors. Mozart took pains to create a final score that would be used by his publisher but Beethoven became lax in making his own final copies, leaving the chore to a copyist who had to deal with a jumble of sketches and completed (but messy) manuscripts. The scores that came to be used by conductors were products of the mid-19th century. So, there are many changes to these scores that can be picked out from other performances and are listed in the booklet.

I recall that when the Gardiner set came out that there were some people, my wife included, who thought they were too fast. Listening to the 9th symphony the first movement is so furiously driven that the tempos sound out of control. The symphony last just under 60 minutes which may sound like a record until one considers that Felix Weingartner (a Beethoven expert) turned in a performance just over 60 minutes. The performances are vibrant and well played, all of them the product of live performances, a few like the 9th were made following a performance. For me the Gardiner cycle has a freshness that while not excluding other recordings (period instrument and modern symphony orchestra) has made this the only complete cycle that I have of the Beethoven symphonies. Perhaps the most telling evidence that Gardiner's approach to Beethoven has been influential is the rethinking of the tempos of the symphonies by conductors like Bernard Haitink. I highly recommend this cycle of symphonies for someone new to Beethoven and those listeners who are familiar with this music.

Excellent.......2005-10-21

Interpretation is in many ways a matter of taste. For example, if Georgy Cziffra were not such a phenomenal pianist, I think several critics would say that his interpretations were not adequate. Because of his absolutely unbeatable technique Cziffra "says": I will play as I would like to play!

I liked Gardiner interpretation of the Beethoven Simphonies. Vigorous, somewhat fast and very well recorded. In 9th simphony I would prefer a slower tempo but this is my opinion.

You should like a song because you really like it and not because some classical music "pundit" says that this is the correct way to play because there is not such a thing. The only person that could have the final word is Ludwig.

Haven't Heard Better Really.......2005-10-20

I tend to agree with a lot of points mentioned by the previous reviewers but I don't find this work to be as despicable as they make it seem. Traditionalist revisionism is always a tricky thing in classical music composition drawing a lot of opinions from various points of view. There are certainly defects to these performances and interpretations, but, compared to a lot of other work out there it's certainly not average or the worst. I don't regret having purchased this set despite its deficiencies.

Beethoven was alive during the times of the French Revolution and Napoleon and was an ardent republican in Austria under the Hapsburg court. Many of his symphonies incorporate his ideals of revolutionary change. A disproportionate majority of the performances for these symphonies, particularly older conductors, completely misinterpret Beethoven's intention. A perfect example of this is in the march for the last movement of the 9th Symphony. If you listen to any of Karajan's, Solti's, or even Bernstein's interpretation it sounds like a damn funeral procession. The march in the piece is a revolutionary military march that is meant to proceed at a fast pace. In terms of military marches, the other interpretations are too slow even for a funeral. The only thing that keeps me from falling asleep when listening to them is the volume which is overbearing: I can barely recognize a single section in that Mahleresque cacophony. It's just symphonic overkill for these pieces. So loud Beethoven would have probably said 'Turn it down it's too loud!' in his deaf old age. Gardiner's symphony could use a little more volume but the traditional instruments don't permit that. As for the performances, there are some minor problems with various sections in the different symphonies but I didn't find them overly significant. The best part for me is particularly Gardiner's reinterpretation of the meter which gives one a far greater sense of impending change in pieces such as his 3rd, 5th, and 9th. Also, compared to the older conductors I've mentioned, you're not going to feel like you're in a coma when you listen to the 7th Symphony or that Winter has come instead of Spring in his 6th. Gardiner's orchestra is also smaller wich diminishes the volume but having a modern orchestra of 300+ members is simply overkill for such pieces and the results are worst in muffling the strings than Gardiner's lack of punch with traditional strings and orchestra size.

I think Gardiner's interpretations are just fine despite their defects as many of its other contenders have problems of their own which, in my opinion, are worst than those of Gardiner's. At least you won't feel like you're at a funeral and that the whole attending party is going to die along with the deceased so morbidly slow are those old school performances. I'm going to rate all the presently great performances for these works with four stars until a truly great one comes along to deserve five. Choosing the best among different performances here is then really a question of taste as they all have problems in one way or another. Of the older generation I tend to prefer Toscanini's interpretations above those of Solti or Karajan.

Average customer rating: the definitive reading of the trumpet concerto

Haydn: Concertos for Oboe, Trumpet, Harpsichord Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel - Royal Fireworks Music · Concerto Grosso "Alexander's Feast" · Overtures / The English Concert · Pinnock Beethoven - Missa Solemnis / Margiono * Robbin * Kendall * Miles * EBS * Gardiner Complete Harpsichord Concertos Haydn: Paris Symphonies Mozart: Coronation Mass - Exsultate, Jubilate - Vesperae Solennes / Bonney, Wyn Rogers, MacDougall, Gadd; Pinnock ASIN: B0000057DU Release Date: 1992-08-11

Tracks:

1. Concerto For Oboe And Orchestra In C Major: 1. Allegro spirituoso
2. Concerto For Oboe And Orchestra In C Major: 2. Andante
3. Concerto For Oboe And Orchestra In C Major: 3. Rondo: Allegretto
4. Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Flat Major: 1. Allegro
5. Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Flat Major: 2. Andante
6. Concerto For Trumpet And Orchestra In E Flat Major: 3. Finale: Allegro
7. Concerto For Harpsichord And Orchestra In D Major: 1. Vivace
8. Concerto For Harpsichord And Orchestra In D Major: 2. Un poco Adagio
9. Concerto For Harpsichord And Orchestra In D Major: 3. Rondo all'Ungarese: Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

the definitive reading of the trumpet concerto.......2003-02-20

For me this reading of the Trumpet Concerto is as close to ideal as possible.

Bennett and Pinnock find a balance in this music that other interpreters invariably distort, one way or another. Maurice Andre, for all his attractive tone and phrasing, is unidiomatic as he tends to make these three movements into concert aria showpieces; Herseth and Solti, with the powerhouse Chicago Symphony, turn it into Mahler-lite; Marsalis and Leppard are overstated, the orchestral texture is opaque, and Marsalis for his part doesn't grasp the architecture of this music, distracted as he is by his concern to demonstrate his considerable virtuosity; Hardenburger and Marriner are understated (I've even thought they seem bored with the music) and miss the spirit of Haydn's sound and style; Immer and Hogwood, on period instruments, get the sytle exactly right, deliver an electrifying orchestral performance, and would be my first choice were everything not ruined in the end by Immmer's very weak tone - at times he is all but inaudible.

Bennett and Pinnock get it right. The period orchestra has the right balance and sonority; there is much more space in the texture so that all of the voices sound distinctly. Bennett, on a keyed trumpet, plays the solo part with flair and in balanced dialog with the orchestral counterpoint, and he uses the most engaging cadenzas, fills, and ornaments I've ever heard. Pinnock brings to the reading as a whole the sense of protortion, the earthiness, the rhythmic vitality that animate the Classical style, bring it to life.

I can't imagine it being done any better.

Average customer rating: Delightful Music With a Spring In Its Step Great, great music Superb recording! Pinnock does it again

William Boyce: 8 Symphonies - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock Miles Golding , Paul Goodwin , Trevor Jones , Julie Lehwalder , Jaap ter Linden , Rupert Bawden , and Lisa Beznosiuk Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Boyce | Boyce, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Overtures / Concerti Grossi Boyce: Trio Sonatas Heinichen: Dresden Concerti Telemann: Wassermusik (Water Music); 3 Concertos /Musica Antiqua Koln * Goebel Corelli: 12 Concerti grossi, op. 6 ASIN: B0000057CZ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major: Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major: Moderato e dolce
3. Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major: Allegro
4. Symphony No. 2 In A Major: Allegro assai
5. Symphony No. 2 In A Major: Vivace
6. Symphony No. 2 In A Major: Presto (Allegro)
7. Symphony No. 3 In C Major: Allegro
8. Symphony No. 3 In C Major: Vivace
9. Symphony No. 3 In C Major: Tempo di Minuetto
10. Symphony No. 4 in F Major: Allegro
11. Symphony No. 4 in F Major: Vivace ma non troppo
12. Symphony No. 4 in F Major: Gavot (Allegro)
13. Symphony No. 5 in D major: Allegro ma non troppo - Adagio ad. lib. - Allegro assai
14. Symphony No. 5 in D major: Tempo di Gavotta
15. Symphony No. 5 in D major: Tempo di Minuetto
16. Symphony No. 6 In F Major: Largo - Allegro - Largo
17. Symphony No. 6 In F Major: Larghetto
18. Symphony No. 7 In B Flat Major: Andante - Spirituoso
19. Symphony No. 7 In B Flat Major: Moderato
20. Symphony No. 7 In B Flat Major: Jigg (Allegro assai)
21. Symphony No. 8 In D Minor: Pomposo - Allegro
22. Symphony No. 8 In D Minor: Largo (Andante)
23. Symphony No. 8 In D Minor: Tempo di Gavotta (Risoluto)

Customer Reviews:

Delightful Music With a Spring In Its Step.......2005-09-26

This CD is an excellent example of music written in the transitional Rococo period between Baroque and Classical. When these eight delightful symphonies, originally composed as overtures between 1739 and 1756, were first published together as a set in 1760, J.S. Bach had been dead only 10 years, Handel one year, and Haydn was 28 years old.

Though Boyce's style has elements that can be compared to these composers (the first movement of Symphony No. 5 in particular is reminiscent of Handel's Water Music and Music for Royal Fireworks), he is neither a faded echo of Bach, nor a mere imitator of Handel, nor a pale precursor of Haydn. He has his own distinctive musical style that is fully apparent in this recording. As Michael Tilmouth writes in his informative essay in the CD booklet: "If we were asked to name the native musician most typical of his profession in 18th-century England we would almost certainly nominate William Boyce. . . . No doubt Boyce learned a good deal from his great contemporary Handel. But his music has a robust and fresh quality of its own, nowhere more apparent than in the vigorous 'jiggs' and sturdy, tuneful gavottes of these symphonies, a quality that seems innately English and makes a distinctive and valuable contribution to the music of the 18th century."

The allegro movements of these symphonies, filled with bouyancy and enthusiasm, resonate with vitality. The adagio movements are enchanting. The performance, recorded in June 1986 with Trevor Pinnock conducting The English Concert and playing the harpsichord, is first-rate. Pinnock is one of the most distinguished names associated with the period instrument movement. The sound quality on this CD is crystal clear. Time = 60:04. Highly recommended.

Great, great music.......2001-03-30

I didn't know anything about William Boyce before I bought this CD, and now I am hooked on his music! His music is wonderful, very bright, happy, and highly enjoyable. I've been told that he is also known as the "English Bach," and I don't think that's an exaggeration. Boyce's music is in a somewhat conservative Baroque style, even though he lived during the end of the Baroque period, when the early Classical and Rococo music dominated the music scene. However, I am certain his music must have been a hit, especially these 8 symphonies. Briliant music performed by Trevor Pinnock's briliant English Consort, this CD is a must-have! My personal favourites are symphonies #1 and #4.

Superb recording!.......2000-06-03

When you hear these 8 symphonies you will notice that William Boyce (1711-1779) is a very great and enjoyable english baroque and rococo composer. Try listen to the "symphony no. 8 in D minor" especially the last movement and you will think: How great the music was in the 18th-century. The outstanding conductor Trevor Pinnock and his authentic instruments ensemble The English Concert gives a first-class, lively and superb performance. This cd is highly recommendable.

Pinnock does it again.......2000-02-09

I love the overtures (or symphonies) of William Boyce, the "English Bach," as I'm sure most lovers of late baroque music do. Trevor Pinnock et al. are in superb form here; I'd say this is the Boyce Symphonies disc to purchase.

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