Switched-On Bach II

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Free Music Notes for Switched-On Bach II

Free Music Review: 30 years later, still controversial
Hit: 5 Stars

I was given the vinyl version for Christmas when I was ten years old, and basked in it regularly for years (the Brandenburg particularly made for fascinating headphone listening, and still does). Personally, this CD release is a joy long awaited, especially because of all the TLC lavished on those original analog masters. These recordings shimmer more than they ever did years ago.

On artistic merit: While the original "S-OB" contains inspired musicality and novelty in equal doses, and "The Well-Tempered Synthesizer" reflected a maturing of vision, I believe "S-OB II" represents the most consistently musical effort of Wendy's four Baroque releases. Even the inevitable "special effects" timbres here are more wry, and just plain feel natural. For example, the sly suggestion of a snare drum in one of the two-part inventions is a delightful auditory pun unique to Carlos' sensibilities. The treatment of "Sheep May Safely Graze" falls within the realm of a solo organ performance, but oh, for an organist to have these stops at their disposal!

Speaking of organs, Carlos has already acknowledged the role of her Yamaha Electone E-5, apparently acquired sometime between S-OB I and II. It was responsible for click tracks and continuo parts, and even those marvelous runs in the Brandenburg's cadenza section. Not to shatter anyone's romantic notions of Wendy exclusively slaving over a single-note instrument... but really, so what? A masterpiece is still a masterpiece.

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