Search - Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Johann Sebastian Bach :: JS Bach; WF Bach; CPE Bach; JC Bach: Concertos & Duets /Hogwood * Rousset

Out-of-Print, but no great loss . . .

Johnny Bard | Orlando, FL | 02/11/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"One of the first discs that I ever owned was Bach's Brandenburg Concertos (actually a 2-disc set conducted by Christopher Hogwood/Academy of Ancient Music). While much controversy still surrounds Hogwood's interpretation of Bach's famous concertos, it still remains one of my favorite L 'Oiseau-Lyre/Decca releases. I also continue to enjoy Hogwood's interpretation of Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' and his various concerti (same label).Having said that, I cannot recommend this particular disc. I have no problem with the way in which these pieces have been interpreted or played. Rather, my problem is with the recording quality of these works. Interestingly, concerto 1061 sounds fine. But the recording of the other compositions leaves much to be desired. The play-back level was so low that I had to triple the volume on my receiver. And even then, the sound was muffled, as if I were listening to the disc through a hollow drum. The liner notes state that this disc features all the known works for 2 harpsicords composed by J. S. Bach and his sons. If that's the case, then Hogwood and the technicians involved should have done these pieces more justice. It's out-of-print, but I'm afraid it's no great loss, either. Hopefully, you can find these works on other labels. They're great pieces (provided they've been properly recorded and remastered)."

Poor sound, but a rare gem

Matthew Mendlik | Boston, MA, United States | 08/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What other reviews say is true: the sound on the clavichord recordings is low, but this is due also to the nature of the clavichord -- it's a sweet, subtle instrument. That said, even if one is disappointed in the rest, the first recording on the disc entirely justifies the purchase. While it is controversial to omit the orchestral accompaniment for BWV 1061 (which is then listed as "1061a") the sheer brilliance of Hogwood's and Rousset's playing makes the piece soar -- at times one forgets one is listening to only two harpsichords. Any collectors of Bach's music will surely want to own 1061a, especially as performed by these two artists. Honestly, I triple the volume on my receiver for the _first_ piece -- its sheer energy demands that it be played loudly, like rock. The final pianoforte recordings are also lively (and at regular sound levels- be sure to turn down your receiver after the clavichord pieces!)"

Big let-down

Amy L Contrada | Boston, MA | 05/05/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I am a big fan of both Hogwood and Rousset (especially Rousset who I consider to be the best harpsichordist around today with the exception of Trevor Pinnock)- but there are some big problems with this CD. The sound quality on most of it is AWFUL, and the W. F. Bach concerto, maybe the greatest piece ever written for two harpsichords, is played very stiffly. Look for the disc of music for two harpsichords under the Harmonia Mundi label, as well as Rousset's recordings for HM if you want to hear Rousset at his best."