Bach, JS : Brandenburg Concertos Nos 1 - 6 [1964]

It is quite interesting to compare this 60s version of the Brandenburgs to more recent performances by Musica Antiqua Koln, Concerto Italiano and Giardino Armonico. Harnoncourt's performance, one of the first to use period instruments (including some exceptional violins and cellos) is my favourite. His tempos are not as fast as the ones of the Italian groups. He also provides a "singing", very melodious account of these concertos, similar to the one we would expect from a modern instrument group. His tendency to play "legato", linking the phrases, is combined with an exceptional care for detail - similar to the one found in Musica Antiqua Koln's account. The result is a serene approach to Bach. However, if one is looking for a greater sense of drama (as I did when I discovered this music) then, perhaps, the more recent performances will satisfy more. Personally, I find Harnoncourt's approach extremely attractive and I admire the work of these great soloists, such as Alice Harnoncourt, who plays the violin, accompanying her husband, who directs from the cello.

Bach - Brandenburg Concertos I can't imagine why anyone would rate the sound of this set as poor. If I may quote the Gramophone review (March 1967), Edward Greenfield stated that "In sheer immediacy and vividness of recorded sound this set of Brandenburgs is most striking". The recording was made in 1964, and doesn't sound to me in anyway inferior to, say, Menuhin's or Rudolf Baumgartner's recordings. And apart from definitely unexciting tempi in the outer movements of Concerto no. 2, I would say if you're an enthusiast of Harnoncourt in Bach, like myself, then don't hesitate. I will probably buy his later digital set eventually, but any improvement in the recorded sound won't put me off this set. By the way, I have listened to it through both loudspeakers and headphones.

I really enjoyed these concertos. In spite of the recordings' age I still find the sound quality to be good. Using period instruments provides the sound I prefer and Harnoncourt is to be applauded on the instrumental mix.

Recorded in 1964 but sounds more like 1934. The playing is OK but it is not a very pleasant experience listening to such a poor-quality recording. I am giving my copy to a 'friend' and getting a different version!

It's a masterpiece. Nothing more to say.The quality of the record and the vinyl itself was good. I have nothing to complain about.