JS Bach • The Brandenburg Concertos
Erato STU 70801/2
Two 33-RPM LPs
I was introduced to the Bach’s music by way of Sky’s rocky rendition of Toccata, and the Brandenburg Concertos (specifically, the third) via Wendy Carlos’ excellent album, Switched on Bach, which contains a number of Bach pieces played on a Moog synthesizer. So I was curious to hear what the Brandenburg Concertos (there are six in total) would sound like when played on acoustic instruments. In a word, they’re great!
As for the sound quality on this album, it’s not an audiophile spectacular (nor is it intended to be one), but the quality is pretty good nonetheless. I’m a bit of a sucker when it comes to the sound of harpsichords, and the one on this set is nicely captured. Being played by a Jean-Francois Paillard’s Chamber Orchestra, the soundstage is, of course, not very big. This is a rather intimate sounding pair of records. I’m very pleased I added this to my collection; if you’re a Bach fan, I think you will be too.