Bach: Organ Chorales from the Leipzig Manuscript, Volume 2

Advantages: Romantic orchestral music
Disadvantages: Only 1 hour - eat quickly for a romantic dinner

...Johann Sebastian Bach, giant among Baroque composers, was a prolific writer whose versatility and creativity resulted in a wealth of musical works with a diversity ranging from sacred choral works, keyboard music to orchestra music. The CD, Concerto for Two Violins in D minor / Violin Concertos in A minor & E minor, is an orchestral recording conducted by Salvatore Accardo, in which two violins (Anne-Sophie Mutter and Salvatore Accardo) / solo violin (Anne-Sophie Mutter) are contrasted with a larger orchestra (English Chamber Orchestra) of strings and bass continuo instrument the harpsichord. Bach is often criticized for his strict attention to form. Whilst, I greatly admire Bach for his intellectual and methodical approach to composition, what I enjoy most is the harmonious and melodic music that results. This CD is a superb example... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Outstanding music on period instruments
Disadvantages: Swaping C.D'S in music player.

...of the original performances. The works would have been played in a mixed programme of both vocal and instrumental works. This allowed for a rich cross pollination of ideas from theatre. Beethoven is using what he was provided with from his predecessors and making each symphony a drama. The London Classical Players have been in many performances both here and abroad of music in period form. They have performed works by Handel, Bach, Mozart, Haydn and Schubert. This has been well received by the public. The Schutz Choir of London started life in 1962, and carried out 10 years research into choral works. They became professional in 1973 and broke new ground in Baroque music. With Sir Roger they have performed works by Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, and Mozart. Haydn and Schubert. The choir has toured extensively. The original set was a six boxed set from... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Breadth of choral works, expert musicianship
Disadvantages: None

...', 'Praise to the Lord' and 'O for a Closer Walk With God' - and as such allow the listener to relate much more closely to the music, bringing their own experiences of these hymns to their listening. The Bible Songs are performed with expert musicianship from both choir and organ. This CD comes highly recommended for lovers of choral music. Those with an interest in the English tradition and in the development of more recent choral music will find this a joy to listen to. As part of the Stanford collection it plays an important role in bringing his hymns and wider styles of choral pieces to the forefront - the settings of set sevrices are less dominant here. However, the settings that are chosen are of particular quality. Followers of Stanford should consider this CD and indeed the rest of the collection as an excellent purchase.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful