A Bach essential recording
Mario A. Cerdas | San José, Costa Rica | 07/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wether if you're new or interested in knowing your way around classical music, this is definitely a Bach essential recording. It contains perhaps Bach's most well known overtures and concertos. Not only are they familiar to the listener, but also the different performers are outstanding. If you're looking for a CD that will give a glimpse of some of Bach's best compositions or an introduction to his genius, then this is the one to go for. The Overture No.4 in D major "Réjouissance" directed by H. Winshermann is a magnificent spirit-lifter, played in an appropriate not-so-rushed-up tempo like some other versions I've heard. On track 4, "Jesu, joy of man's desire", Frank Berger's trumpet and Hans-Dieter Weber's organ performance are one of the most stunning ones that have ever reached me. Track 9, Overture No.1 in C major "Passepied" is a feast for the senses; H. Winshermann's direction does it again. I cannot complete this small review without mentioning Hannes Kastner's impressive performance of "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" at the organ. In my opinion, this is so far the definitive ultimate version, lasting 9:20 minutes of impeccable performance. (Did I mention that this CD was stolen from my "Masters of Classical Music Collection some time ago, and I mourned it until I found it on Amazon?)"