"Originally recorded in stereo in 1978 and 1979 and released on two separate LPs, these performances of Bach's Orchestral Suites also known as the Overtures with Trevor Pinnock leading his English Concert were as 
good as it got at the time for period instrument performances. Nor has their re-release in 2007 on this single disc changed this judgment. The Consort's strings are dry but warm -- check out the Air from the Third Suite -- their winds are colorful and quirky -- check out the Forlane from the First Suite -- their brass is controlled but cutting -- check out the Ouverture from the Fourth Suite -- and their tympani is vivacious but thankfully not overwhelming -- check out the Rejouissance also from the Fourth Suite. Pinnock's conducting is almost universally light and lively, and when it's not in the Second Suite, it's because the music itself is dark and dreary. Although there are dozens of great performances of the Suites to choose from, if you're only going to have one recording on the shelf, it should be Pinnock's." -All Music
flac
According to me all the Bach's work in the versions of Karl Münchinger or Karl Richter are supreme and the best.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes. Bach's Orchestral Suites from Pinnock. If you don't have this yet, grab them. I have to agree with the reviewer, that this is the set to own, if you only can have one. I wouldn't want to be without my Suzuki set either though.
ReplyDeleteDon' forget to quote Stephen Preston as the flute player in the B minor Suite and Simon Standage as a leading violin. Wonderful recording. And the triple 1044 is incredible too
ReplyDeleteI remember a concert at Boughton Aluph (Alfred Deller's place), with these 3 guys and the English Concert in 1979. It was so lovely. Standage was just taking possession of his new violin in a superb rosewood box. He never let it even for a pee !!