Bach - Brandenburg Concertos / Rousset, AAM, Hogwood
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Free Music Notes for Bach - Brandenburg Concertos / Rousset, AAM, Hogwood
Free Music Review: Outstanding Performances
Hit: 5 Stars
I must confess I am usually a less than totally convinced AAM afficionado so when I did a complete review of all of the best known cycles of the Brandenburgs I acquired this one just to see what the fuss was about. To my great surprise, the results was one of the really outstanding set of the Brandenburg currently available. The quality of the playing has the usual 'crispness' that AAM admirers praise, but above all they had eloquence, taste, and unforced brilliance. The quality of the ensemble playing is truly a joy to listen to over and over. I had a lot of trouble prying myself away. In fact I think I have enjoyed this recording more than any over recording by Hogwood et al. than I ever have recalled hearing over the past 10 - 15 years.
It is also well known that many of the performances are of earlier versions of the Brandenburgs and as a result, this may perhaps should not be the one and only set it that is what you are after. Another added bonus to this particular issue is the inclusion of some other concerti - again the best I have heard any of them played. In fact, they are a major reason to acquire this one over others sets offering only the Brandenburgs without fillers.
The recording itself is beautifully balances, natural, clear and rich. It is a tiny bit on the cleaner analytical side but allows much detail to emerge but this complements the crispness of the ensemble work extremely well.
Recommended with great enthusiasm!
Free Music Review: Very good
Hit: 5 Stars
Yes, it is a pity that Hogwood chose the original versions: N? 1 lacks one movement. But to this nice price you get two CDs with a lot of wonderful music. I am not convinced that the original instrument directors usually are more true to the spirit of the baroque era than directors of traditional chamber orchestras. However, here Hogwood gives a performance that is more convincing than a lot of newer "period" performances, which to me often seem more influenced by rock than baroque. I cannot analyse why this happens to appeal so much to me; I think it is really good, honest, straight forward and next to none of the different mannerisms and idiosyncrasies so typical of oh so many "original" interpretations. Production values are good, playing warm and lively. I don't claim that this is the best, but it is the best I have heard for a decade, and I think it is even better than the Savall performances of the Brandenburgs, and that tells a good deal.Free Music Review: Would have been the best but ...
Hit: 2 Stars
I always enjoyed the chamber intimacy Hogwood gave to his players in this recording. Wonderfull interpretations. But it is a pity CH chose the original versions: N? 1 lacks the 3? movement and the "polacca" section of the 4? movement. The harpsichord solo in the 1st movement of the fifth is severerly shortened (more exactly, Bach expanded a section that was crying for a more extended part). To sum up, you know Bach was a perfectionist. Each thing he revisited, he improved. And he decided to give to Brandenburg Margrave a present, an improved version of his best concerti (in Pickett opinion, it was a kind of allegory). So please don't waste your money in preliminary versions in your first set of brandenburgs. I hope CH make a new recording, one player to a part. Free Music Review: This version is for original instrument enthusiasts
Hit: 4 Stars
Many of the paces are faster than usual and the use of period horns and trumpets creates a distinctively different sound than you'll get with conventional recordings. The Academy of Ancient Music produces really good authentic performances but it should be noted, that Bach would've used the best instruments he would have got his hands on for performing his stuff.
If you plan on getting one version of the Brandenberg Concertos, this is not the one I would recommend. However, if you are a real lover of Bach and are curious as to how his music might have sounded in the 1720's, this is an excellent addition to your music collection.
I welcome feedback on this and all reviews at wstrnlibwarrior@yahoo.com
Free Music Review: excellent performance a different view
Hit: 4 Stars
this is an interesting performance of the concertoes.although the tempo may be a little fast at times and though i prefer the expanded harpsichord version of the fifth concerto, i still recommend this recording in that it brings out the baroque qualities of these works in ways that other recording never do. the part playing is very fine, partially due to the recording process... highly recommended to those who already own a good conventional recording of the work