Brandenburg Concerti 1-6

This is a rarity in musical recordings: once heard this rendition of the Brandenburg Concertos renders all other recordings as if in error. Most of all the tempo is somehow always perfect. Of course, I love the antique instrumentation with the harpsichord at center, but most of all it is the agile tempo of the performance that makes other recordings seem dull, or distorted. Recordings which use modern instruments somehow also sound lazy and out of condition. Romantic instrumentation also sounds uncoordinated in comparison to this lithe, and spirited performance.I had an LP recording of this performance which I bought in the late 1960s, and which I loved as much as any other music I owned, most of which was folk, blues, rock, and jazz. This performance delighted, and soothed me. It sounded wonderful on a very excellent stero system from that period. On my new 2011 MacBook Pro computer, the balance of the recording is more brassy than my memory recalls, and as fine as my computer is, an adequate sound system it is not. The clarity of the music is excellent, and I would never know that it was recorded so early in the 1960s. I have yet to play my CDs on a modern full speaker system so I cannot say if the balance between the gorgeous harpsichord and the horns will sound smoother to me. The stringed instruments, in particular what I believe may be a "modern" violin, sound grand.I love these Brandenburgs more than any other Bach composition, and I favor Bach more than most classical composers. And I must say I have never experienced the phenomenon of this recording any other time: where all other performances of these works just sound wrong after becoming accustomed to this performance.I will keep these performances of the Brandenburg Concertos carefully with me for the rest of my life. I lost them once, and will not do without them again!

Nikolaus Harnoncourt provides one of the great five star performances of Bach's legendary Bradenburg Concertos. Despite being recorded in 1964, the sound quality is fresh, crisp, with a remarkable sense of presence. The performances are spirited and authentic played on historical instruments. These are the recordings I listened to years ago which made me fall in love with these delightful compositions when they were available as a very aristocratic looking boxed set on Telefunken records. Though the CD packaging doesn't equal the majesty of the original LP's, the booklet is complete and informative.Those insisting on more modern technology might consider Trevor Pinnock's contributions which were my CD mainstay until I discovered my great originals were available on CD.For a more orchestral sound on standard instruments, nothing beats Neville Marriner with St. Martin's-in-the-Field.Still, for the honest intimate feel of Bach's beautiful music, this is the version to enjoy!J

One of the first if not THE first to use entirely original instruments. Harnoncourt very carefully researched performance practices; adjusted the size of the orchestra to that of an authentic period ensemble, all player performing on period instruments, the recording location was a Baroque era hall, scaled to the much smaller audience sizes and ensembles. For many listeners accustomed to larger modern orchestral performances of the Branmdenburgs the clarity of the instrumental lines and textures was a revelation. The pieces just sounded RIGHT. For me these are desert island recordings. Very natural recorded sound

This is the one of the best performance.

Great stuff --beautifully recorded on original instruments. Good performance. Highly recommended.

Bach: Brandenburg ConcertosJohann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Nikolaus Harnoncourt (Conductor), Concentus Musicus Wien (Orchestra)Of all the CDs, records, and tapes of the Brandenburg Concerto, the Harnoncourt version is the best.I originally heard the recording on Television, in a PBS show years ago. Probably there is a 33 disk recording.Definitely a tape. I still have the two set tape edition. I also own the CD version which Amazon.com sells.A good use for the recording is to play the music while studying, learning, or reading. It is believed that the music works with your brain waves.Instrumentation: Unlike other version of the Brandenburg, Harnoncourt uses only original instruments which were played in Bach's time. There is no piano, but a harpsichord. Recorders. Possibly the only modern instrument in the recording is a violin.Recommendation: Harnoncourt's version is definitely the version to get.

Re purchased to put on my ipod. I had vinyl but I just had to have this on my ipod. Stately tempos, superb musicianship.

If you are considering purchasing this CD set you should be aware that it evidently has a protection scheme to prevent it being played on a computer. I mostly listen to music on my computer, especially when traveling so this is very disappointing. Teldec is a Time Warner company per the lablel, and I have had this happen before with their releases. I am confident the content will be enjoyable when I return home from travel and am able to play it on the home stereo equipment.

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.

Disks and box in excellent condition

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.

everything ok. thank you!

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. Bach - Brandenburg Concertos