Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Sir Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields :: Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

Bach at his best

M. Akiva | USA | 02/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, like much of Bach's works, are very modern sounding pieces. That's what makes them so appealing. Although each movement is no more than a few minutes long, the melodies and form of each are well developed and gorgeous.



This recording is especially worth buying because Marriner and the Academy produce a well-balanced and well-played interpretation. The instruments are not period instruments, but I think that adds to the overall flavor of this recording. Although the Boston Baroque offers recordings using period pieces, they don't match the interpretive genius of Neville Marriner.



Overall, this disc is a great buy -- only a few dollars for some of my favorite pieces by Bach. Don't make the mistake of assuming the low price of this set is somehow an indication of quality."

Best modern instrument performances in my opinion

S. Heinen | Tulsa, OK United States | 03/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I think with the Brandenbergs, the deciding factor on which set to buy is whether you prefer modern instruments or period instruments. There are probably more great period instrument recordings (Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert is my personal favorite) to choose from than modern instrument recordings, but I think this is the best available modern instrument recording. You pretty much cannot go wrong with anything by Marriner and the ASMF, but this is truly one of their better recordings and has been for a number of years. There may be others out there just as good, but I doubt if you will find any better."

Easy to Enjoy

James W. Durney | Tampa Bay area | 11/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not a musician nor can I identify Bach's Brandenburg Concerto number one from number five. However, I am an avid listener and do enjoy classical music. I know how good the Academy of St Martin in the Fields is and what a great conductor Sir Neville Marriner is. Most of all, I can identify a real bargain when I see one and this CD qualifies as a great bargain.



Bach's concertos are relaxing and very enjoyable. The Academy performs under the sure hand of Sir Marriner at the highest level. Each CD is just over an hour, the sound is clear and as Gramophone says "these performances are easy to enjoy".



This review refers to both the CD for concertos Nos. 1-4 and the CD for concertos Nos. 5 & & with Orchestral Suite No. 1.

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