Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Nos 4, 5 and 6

Back to back Bach.

Advantages: Beautiful relaxing music. Rich instrumentation. Played with passion.
Disadvantages: Not all instruments are from the period.

If I was ever asked to select my "desert island discs", top of my list would be Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. (I wonder if there's a category in the ciao café?. . . ) The six Brandenburg concertos, each with their distinct quality and sound requiring a different combination of instruments, are not only a delight to listen to but exemplify the intellectual musical genius of their composer, Johann Sebastian Bach. All six are composed in major keys creating and maintaining a cheerful, vivacious collection. The modulations of key demanded by the baroque conventions are skilfully completed and Bach's predilection for numbers and ornate touches are evident. I could say more but this isn't a musical analysis . . . I am not alone in my high estimation, The Brandenburg concertos are now probably the best loved and most frequently performed ...

MAFARRIMOND 13.04.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Bach: Brandenburg Concertos

Sigma AF 70-300mm f4-f5.6 APO DG Macro

Advantages: Decent quality on a budget but only for APS-C digital SLR's.
Disadvantages: Really quite poor when used with full-frame digital SLR's.

of good quality. I don't know if it is simply a variation between samples but my own APO version appeared to have somewhat 'smoother' zooming than my friend's non APO one. As usual for Sigma, a decent lens hood (barrel type) and a soft case are included in the package. The lens sports a 58mm filter thread, so filters are relatively inexpensive to purchase. Being of more 'ordinary' status in the Sigma hierarchy, this AF 70-300mm f/4-f/5.6 DG APO Macro, has none of the more elaborate 'bells and whistles' evident on the more expensive EX range. What does this mean? Well, you don't get Sigma's superb HSM (Hypersonic Motor) AF (auto-focusing) for near silent and very fast AF, resulting in a somewhat more unsophisticated, noisy (although not overly so) and slightly 'harsh' action. It still works well however! Also, you get no FTM (full time manual ...

davecham 29.12.2008 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Sigma telephoto zoom lens - 70 mm - 300 mm F/4.0-5.6

The Excellent Sigma EX 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG lens.

Advantages: Superb design, value for money and professional results.
Disadvantages: None

Sigma EX 12-24mm F4.5-5,6 DG Nikon fit AF D. This a great wide-angle zoom lens offering professional performance, results and is a joy to use. It is suitable for both digital SLR's and 35mm Film cameras and focusing can be used manually or autofocus. This my first Sigma lens as I own only quality Nikon lenses so I was unsure at first about purchasing a brand and lens unknown to me. Any doubts or fears about quality were put to rest as soon as I took the lens out of it's box. It is as well crafted as any Nikon lens and a truly remarkable piece of design. It has an unusual appearance as instead of the usual glass flat surface lens it has a "bobble" or "ball" of glass which has a very alien look to it. I'm still not used to this and I feel that as it is sticking out so much that it may be a bit vulnerable to potential damage ...

petermock 19.01.2008 (25.03.2008) · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Sigma EX 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG