Search - Bach, Pinnock, English Concert :: Brandenburg Concerti 1-3

Pinnock's Bach Brandeburgs will wear well for years to come.

Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 11/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert, a period instrument chamber orchestra, recorded all 6 Bach Brandenburg Concertos in the early 1980s for DG Archiv, and their recordings have been in the catalog in various CD compilations, in sets, or with other discmates, ever since. These were the early days of digital recordings, and I bought this and the other disc of Bach:Brandenburg Concertos 4,5,6, in 1987, the year after obtaining my first CD player. Pinnock's Bach is middle of the road, yet uses lean textures and period instruments to create a clear, bright texture. Allegros are spritely without being breathless, and the recorded sound is excellent. These recordings are joyful and bright, sure to alleviate the cares one faces after a busy day at the office, shop, factory, or wherever one works.



I won't go into detail about each movement within each Concerto, but all are on a very high level of playing and sound. I would also call it "a period instrument recording for those who don't like period instruments." I give this a 100%, 5 star recommendation."

Flawless

Popescu Lucian | Bucharest, Romania | 01/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An absolute must for all Bach experienced listeners. Trevor Pinnock gives an utmost performance in great respect to what Bach had intended to be perfomed. Orchestration is predictably brilliant with English Concert among World's most prodiguous Baroque orchestras. Some have complainted for a certain lack of "feeling" in interpretation, but we must always keep in mind that Bach was Baroque, never a Romantic. Chopin-like interpretations are very unfortunate in Bach's works. Nevertheless everybody seems to aggree with the rock solid, unhesitating performance and top sound quality this CD offers. When I've first heard this album tears poored out of my eyes: "This is Bach", I thought. I felt in 1720 near the Margrave of Brandenburg listening to Bach himself."

One of my treasured disks

Craig Matteson | Ann Arbor, MI | 07/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Trevor Pinnock brought his English Concert to Ann Arbor a couple of years ago and did the complete Brandenburg Concertos. It was a great night. I had this disk and the companion disk of 4,5 & 6 before the live concert, but the live performance illuminated a few things and, of course, I love live music the best.However, this disk has many virtues. The first concerto is a big complicated thing with all kinds of wonderful sonic combinations of instruments. This version has dignity but is also full of life. The slow movement is exquisitly performed with a wonderfully shared line between the oboe and solo violin. The Allegro is effusive and fun. The Menuetto and its trios and the Polacca is one of my favorite pieces. I might be alone in this, but I love the feel of movement and contrast.The famous second concerto is performed superlatively. The natural trumpet soaring and brilliant without taking away from all the other music going on. Knowing what overtone series that natural trumpet requires I am always surprised these guys don't injure themselves playing this kind of music. They do get very red in the face, I can tell you!I love the third concerto for strings. It is another piece that is amazing to SEE performed. Watching the lines and music develop in a small ensemble does add to the enjoyment of the music. But you get a great deal from listening for that in this great recording. You will be glad to have this and its companion in your collection."