Masterpiece
Socrates Stewart | Owings Mills, MD | 05/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nikolaus Harnoncourt provides one of the great five star performances of Bach's legendary Bradenburg Concertos. Despite being recorded in 1964, the sound quality is fresh, crisp, with a remarkable sense of presence. The performances are spirited and authentic played on historical instruments. These are the recordings I listened to years ago which made me fall in love with these delightful compositions when they were available as a very aristocratic looking boxed set on Telefunken records. Though the CD packaging doesn't equal the majesty of the original LP's, the booklet is complete and informative.
Those insisting on more modern technology might consider Trevor Pinnock's contributions which were my CD mainstay until I discovered my great originals were available on CD.
For a more orchestral sound on standard instruments, nothing beats Neville Marriner with St. Martin's-in-the-Field.
Still, for the honest intimate feel of Bach's beautiful music, this is the version to enjoy!J
"