Bach

Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque
$26.98
All of the preceding reviews linked to this item (Complete Brandenburg Concertos, Consortium Musicum) are actually reviews of the CD set by Pearlman and the Boston Baroque! There are similarities, but they are not the same.

First, an important difference: these recordings have the tempi spot-on. The Pearlman treatment is overly fast throughout.

Second, a disappointing similarity: The second movement of Concerto 3 is missing what most scholars consider an obligatory improvisation. Would Bach write a second movement consisting of only two chords spanning a mere 13 seconds? One's appetite is whetted, but then the third movement starts...

Technique throughout is simply amazing. Considering the use of period instruments, some of the playing is unexpectedly precise. The harpsichord is particularly well done. The cadenza at the end of the first movement of Concerto 5 is just fantastic. Concerto 4 is a perfect blend of virtuoso performances -- it practically floats on air, and every part is clear and strong.

Your collection should not be without this work, and at $5.99, there's nothing holding you back.

Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
$6.98
The Brandenberg Concertos are among the classics of Bach that all music lovers should own. This recording, while not limited to period instruments, gives an excellent example of why Bach lovers love the Brandenburg Concertos.

Bach: The 6 Unaccompanied Cello Suites
$15.93
Mix this CD with one reasonably good glass of wine and a decent hi-fi and you have the makings of a relaxing and wonderful evening! If you purchase only one Yo-Yo-Ma CD--make it this one! Enjoy!!

The 99 Most Essential Bach Masterpieces
$7.99
What can go wrong? You can lose your whole day to nothing but fantastical Baroque music. Whenever I start my Bach playlist up, I often forget about my New Wave, 80s Big Hair, 90s Pop, and 70s rock playlists for some time.

99 great picks and definitely essential listening.