Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, I Musici, Maria Teresa Garatti :: Bach: Brandenburg Concertos (Complete)

The Brandenburg Concerti of My Dreams

Michael Newberry | Santa Monica | 08/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hurray! Found the Bach I have always been looking for! I Musici...they are simply a marvel. They create the most delightfully natural sounding pacing that I have yet to hear in Bach recordings. The inter-weaving lines sound separate, and they play off one another with so much ease and virtuosity it seems like all the obstacles are joyfully hurdled. This is the FIRST recording I have heard where I am not offended by the harpsichord! In an understated way it adds body to the piece, a colored texture that sounds indispensable. The horns and the woodwinds are in wonderful pitch, and they accent the rhythm until they point out highlights with controlled bravado. The strings are warm and clean sounding and they play beautifully, unsentimental with a very refined elegant line. Listen to them trill. When the music picks up in pace the clarity and warm sound comes flying through. And the slow movements are exquisite, where the legato line is played with taste and feeling.The Violin Concertos were recorded in '58, the Brandenburg in '65, and the sound is good."

Brandenburg Gems

Dan Beck | Media, PA USA | 12/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wanted to get a complete set of the Brandenburg Concertos, and lucky for me, I picked up this bargain-priced two CD set. This recording is great! I Musici plays with an informed baroque style, but not so much so that they get bogged down in the reactionary, scholarly prerogatives of much of the period instrument movement. The horns ring effortlessly, brightly, and clearly, the sound of the flute is enchanting without using excessive vibrato, and the strings are completely unified creating the full effect of Bach's masterpiece. The violin concertos are taken at a slow tempo, and I Musici, it can be argued, is guilty of overdoing the sentimentality. But the performances of the violin concertos, none-the-less, are solid. This recording is a steal."

Wundebar!

Sara Woodbury | 11/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would just like to tell anyone interested in this recording that it is an excellent one. The musicianship is superior, and the sound is fantastic. The listener however, should be aware of the stylistic tendencies of the recording.

If you are looking for the historical kind of recording, this probably is not the ideal choice. The tempos tend to be on the slower side, and mostly modern instruments are used. Nevertheless, if you are not primarily interested in a historically accurate recording, this is wonderful.

All of the pieces have their own distinct character. I personally enjoy Concerto number 4: the recorders give it a light, almost "adorable" kind a feel, as ridiculous as that may sound. Number 5 has a great presentation of the harpsichord. Number 6 is also a rather interesting piece because it involves no violins. Don't underestimate that concerto's poignancy and ability however; the lower strings are more than capable of expression on their own.

I could go on about this recording extensively, but, for the reader's sake as well as mine, I'll end it now. In short, it's a great recording, and I highly recommend it."