Bach recommendations for a beginner?

The Viktoria Mullova, Bach Violin Concertos and Partitas arrived a couple of days ago and I had the opportunity to listen to it in full.  CD 1, listened to twice.

I must say that CD 1 with Concertos is my favourite CD of this double CD album.  I enjoyed the violin solo partitas.  Though not as much as the concertos.  I especailly liked the concertos with the accompanying oboe.  I am looking forward to the other CDs arriving of the next couple of weeks.

Thank you for recommending this album.

Paul.

I'm very glad you enjoyed it Paul, I love Mullova's Bach playing and I'm delighted it has given you pleasure.

Pieter Wispelwey's 2nd interpretation of the Cello suites is a great introduction to Bach.

you can buy the CD at amazon from £6.99

Steven Isserlis' absolutely fabulous rendition of the Cello Suites has already been recommended, and if you own only one set, own those. If you're curious for something more eccentric however, Edgar Meyer has a CD of 1st, 2nd, and 5th suites on the base cello and it's astonishing how well he plays them. Andres Segovia does them well on the guitar as well, but that's less to my taste.

About Glenn Gould, I don't agree. Both the 1955 and the later 1981 recordings are spectacular. Just beautiful to my ears.

And there's more and more and more!

You don't need many.   Just a couple.

Brandenburg Concertos with original instruments.  Original instruments is key.

I have this one on vinyl.

And something by this guy.  I have this one on vinyl.

Has Glenn Gould's Goldberg variations been mentioned?

Yes it has and there have been mixed views on it. I did manage to track a copy down and purchased it. I have yet to find the time to listen to it.  Maybe this weekend.

Warm regards,

Paul.

Paul,

here are the suggestions from one who has never managed to get along well with Bach. These are the only 5 things I'd take with me if I had to spend a long time on a space travel.

1 - Wilhelm Kempf's transcription of the Siciliana (nothing to do with Sicily, a 6/8 tempo Andante) from Bach's Flute Sonata BWV 1031.

2 - The Choral Prelude Ich ruf zu dir, BWV 639, in Busoni's piano transcription. No subtraction, no addition, just the beautiful music in a beautiful piano voice.

3 - The Choral Prelude Nun komm der heiden Heiland, also in Busoni's piano transcription, BWV 659.

4 - The Choral Prelude Jesu bleibet meine Freude, from the Cantata BWV147

5 - The Choral Prelude Wachet auf, BWV 645. 

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In case these are too few for a long space travel, just add Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, Kv 618.

Best

Max

Thank you Max.  I do not believe that I have had a flute recommendation so far.  I have filed your email into my Naim Bach Forum Mailbox for later reference.  I have virtually purchased all the recommendations thus far and am still awaiting on arrivals via post from the UK and the USA.  Some CDs have arrived in once piece.  Though with Amazon I have had mixed results.  I still have about ten or more CDs to go through and enjoyed "J.S. Bach The Orchestral Suites" by Christopher Hogwood on Decca last night.  I will choose another double for tonight.  Thank you to everyone.  I have not ignored you.  Though I am going through these lovely CDs when I have time.  This is mainly governed when the lounge room/kitchen is free from other family members.

Warm regards,

Paul..

Dear Paul,

Bach is many things. As a teacher of composition, I couldn't do without some of his works, which even then were conceived for didactic purpose and still serve that purpose well, in the first stage of the studies of harmony and counterpoint. His treatment of the choral melodies is often so varied and imaginative, for the standard of his time, to also constitute a sort of manual.

Then there's the Bach of the great Masses, Oratories, Passions. Some seem to find in this huge choral, instrumental and spiritual universe all that can be asked to music. I don't belong to this type of listener unfortunately, finding his treatment of voices and instruments too functional to the celebrative aspect of music. Singers often complain about Bach's treatment of voices, a real challenge to physiology. And I am not especially interested in religious works.

There is the Bach of Fugues, of contrapunctual experiments, the mathematician. That is interesting, and awe inspiring if you consider the conceptual difficulty of some of his works and the terrifying ability with which he manipulates the same materials ad infinitum, reversing, inverting, changing, adapting any type of motive to his combining skills. That Bach usually is a sort of Cirque du Soleil for pure listeners, but very frustrating for those who do music.

The Bach I suggested to you is the rare, precious, human Bach of the few moments of sentiment. The pieces I listed are so simply beautiful, so emotionally intense that even a hypohedonic type like me finds joy in them. So I hope you'll enjoy them with as much pleasure.

Best

Max 

Dear Max,

Thank you for your second post.  I have attempted preliminary searches and have found the following with regards to Flute Sonatas.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=s...8&qid=1494153776

With regards to the other selections I have had less success when I factor Busoni in the search criteria.

I also have this work yet to order which was recommended by one forum member.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/152...e=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Recently in the mail I have received quite a few CDs which I wish to set some time aside to listen and appreciate them.  Max, I do not know if you have read through all the posts.  Though my interest in Bach started with one of his Passions which was being broadcasted over the local MW AM Australian Government Radio Station here in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.  My experience of Bach has amounted to four CDs at the moment and I wish to go through the remaining selection of Gramophone UK's top ten Bach must haves.

https://www.gramophone.co.uk/f...p-10-bach-recordings

Of this list I have purchased most of those except Numbers 6 and 8 on the list, plus a few others that forum members have kindly recommended.  I am still awaiting deliver of a few of these CDs as they slowly make their way to Australia.  Hopefully in one piece.  I am struggling to enjoy the Cello Suite.  Though no doubt it is quite technical and beautiful to those whom know it better than I.  There is an Australian acoustic baritone guitar player that has released a CD of the Cello Suites locally.  I may purchase this.

https://shop.abc.net.au/produc...email%7Cclassicsmail

I thank you for your time and effort to make your post and appreciate your knowledge and selections coming from a teacher in composition.  My skills are very rudimentary as I played bass drum in my cadet band at school and until recently due to a work place accident played electric bass guitar at my local church on a Sunday.  Age now, 54.

Max, if you are in a position too. Could kindly choose one of the Flute Sonatas from the Amazon search above that I may purchase with your recommendation on CD.

Thank you.

Warm regards,

Paul.

Most keyboard players feel they must record all of the Partitas, or all of the French or English Suites, etc. Sometimes, listening to these recordings becomes somewhat tedious, so I like to collect recordings where the artist performs a variety of works, which to me, is a nice departure from the norm. Argerich, Peres, and Brendel have excellent recordings that are comprised of a variety of Bach's keyboard works, but the latest iteration of this type of collection is a recital by Rafal Blechacz on DG. It is quite splendid, not only for it's variety, but also for the highest caliber of Bach playing imaginable. Here's a link...

Bach Recital by Rafal Blechacz: Amazon.co.uk: Music

This comes with my highest recommendation!

Enjoy,

BB

Thank you Monster.  It has been some time since your post.  I am slowly going through the many CDs recommended to myself on Bach.  It has been an enjoyable experience.  Though other hobbies and medical appointments have intervened as well.  I have purchased all recommendations so far bar two and will do so in the near future.  I am wondering if forum friends advice should be posted here on my purchases or on the forum.  "What is the last CD you purchased"?  I have many CDs of which I have only listened to half at best.  Though those that I have listened too have been a blessing with my current state of mind.  PTSD, High Anxiety and Severe Depression.  All is good and even though I do have negative thoughts.  I must say that I am surrounded by lovely people that care for me.  In closing would those who recommend so many CDs wish for me to list them here or on the other forum link, "What is the last CD you purchased"?

Warm regards,

Paul.

Hi Paul, I'm pleased that the  music has helped you in some way with your medical problems and wish you all the best. Speaking for myself, it'd be nice to see your feedback in this thread, it's an excellent resource on Bach recommendations, I picked up a couple of performances on the back of it, and it would be nice to keep this self-contained.

There was mention of the Flute Sonatas above. I have a recording by Andrea Oliva and Angela Hewitt on Hyperion and like it very much, if that helps. 

Dear Hungryhalibut.  I may have over looked this recommendation.  Below are the CDs I purchased after forum members recommendations.  I have not listened to all or most.  Though those I have listened too have been lovely and have taken me on a lovely journey.  Here goes:

1.  Bach Mass in B Minor, John Eliot Gardiner

2.  J.S. Bach, St Matthew Passion, Sir David Willcocks

3.  j.S. Bach  St John Passion, Benjamin Britten

4.  J'S Bach Mass in B Minor, John Eliot Gardiner

5.  j.S. Bach Violin Concertos, Viktoria Mullove

6.  Bach 6 Solo Sonatas & Partitas, Viktoria Mullove

7.  Hilary Hahn, Back Concertos

8.  Sechs Partiten, SIX Partitas BWV 825 - 830, Trevor Pinnock

9.  Bach, Slava Grigoryan Cello Suites. Volume 1

10.  Bach Cello Suites, Steven Isserlis

11.  j.S. Bach Brandenburg Concertos BWV 1060, 1062, 1064, Christopher Hogwood

12.  J.S. Bach, The Orchestral Suites BWV 1060 & 1062, Christopher Hogwood

13.  Glenn Gould Plays Bach  Goldberg Variations BWV988

14.  Bach, Daniel Hope, Vilolin Concertos in A minor & E major, Concerto for 2 violins . Brandenburg Concerto No. 5

15.  Murray plays Perahia Bach The Complete Recordings

16.  J.S.Bach Orchestral Suites for a young prince.

17.  Bach Six Concertos for the Margrave of Brandenburg, Trevor Pinnock

18.  Bach, the Keyboard Concertos 1, BwV1052, BWV1058, Brandenburg Concerto No 5, Angela Hewitt, Australian Chamber Orchestra

19.  Bach, The Keyboard Concertos - 2 BWV1053, BWV1055, BWV1056, BWV1057, Angela Hewitt, Australian Chamber Orchestra

20.  Bach, Angela Hewit, BWV772-801, BWV802-805, BWV806-811, BWV812-817, BWV823, BWV825-830, BWV831, BWV832, BWV846-893 (2008), BWV894, BWV903, BWV904, 944, BWV906, BWV910-916, BWV924-928, 930, 933-943, 989, BWV963, BWV964, BWV971, BWV971, BWV988, BWV989, BWV992-993.

If I have missed anything that you believe that I should add to my collection.  Please remind me.  Even if it means you have to repeat yourself.  I do wish to say that I have been lovingly encapsulated by the above albums.  I have not listened to half of them.  Though I am working my way through as time permits.  I do play the same CD a few times before going onto the next.  After which I will return.  I do find that I enjoy the Orchestral Suites most.  Though having said that I can be captivated by a Concerto or Partita.  I am finding it all a lovely learning curve of escape that I was once, not aware of.  By listing all these albums.  I wish to inform those who have replied to my post.  Your recommendations have not gone unheard.  If there is anything else that is a must have, or takes your heart on a journey.  Please feel free to add.

I would like to end this post with the words, "with much Love",

Paul.

Dear Hungryhalibut, did you mean this please, https://www.amazon.com/Bach-J-...-Oliva/dp/B00AG8HSZG       ?

Warm regards,

Paul.

One thing I think is missing on your list are the cantatas (sacred and secular), they are are an amazing source of fantastic music.
They represent over a third of his output so I think you do need some examples to get true appreciation of the man.
I have both the John Eliot Gardiner set and Suzuki set of the sacred cantatas, you can just about pick any of these at random to get a feel of what they are like.

Dear Morton, I found this.  Price is a little prohibitive.  It will take me some time to swallow on this price.  Though possibly by next fortnight I may succumb and make the purchase.

http://www.monteverdi.co.uk/sh...antatas/complete-set

Yours and others thoughts would be most welcome please.

Warm regards,

Paul.

I would not recommend buying a complete set now, but you can get get one or two of them separately to see if they appeal.
http://www.prestoclassical.co....&label=&cat=
http://www.prestoclassical.co....&label=&cat=

Gigantor posted:

Dear Hungryhalibut, did you mean this please, https://www.amazon.com/Bach-J-...-Oliva/dp/B00AG8HSZG       ?

Warm regards,

Paul.

Yes, that's the one. 

Christopher_M posted:

Eoink posted:

Brandenburgs to start I'd say, then the Cello or Violins,

Thanks Eoin, and I'm absolutely with you on your recommendations.

Chris

I am a little surprised at the nonchalance with which the Cello Suites or the Violin Sonatas und Partitas are recommended. I wonder if people really hears in Bach all there is, and reaches the end safe. Bach is a hugely misunderstood composer, especially for people who grew up with the notion of Hændel as the epitome of Baroque. Bach had no concern for the listener, he wrote for himself and his God, or for his large family of pupils. If one learns to read one of the graphic analyses Heinrich Schenker did of Bach's music, it'll be obvious that the complexity of his textures and structures makes his music a real trip for dedicated trippers.

I've heard Bach for decades. I still am speechless when I realize how for him no audience exists. No care is taken to help the listener, to go to him, to address him. Bach's music addresses its author and mathematics. With due respect for all who love his music, I suspect that they get 25% of what's in it. Bach's music is not relaxing, is not stimulating, it is just and only a constant challenge to other musicians. Bach was not composing for you, so are you sure you want to lose yourself into an unwelcoming universe?

If I wanted to discuss life, I wouldn't do it with a philosopher, I'd ask a whore, someone who's ready to give all of herself. I'd ask Schubert, Mozart. Beethoven, Bruckner. Even Strauß. But Bach seems to me always just a beautiful excuse not to dirt one's hands (and ears) in music's real fluids.

CD

Crompton Divided posted:

Christopher_M posted:

Eoink posted:

Brandenburgs to start I'd say, then the Cello or Violins,

Thanks Eoin, and I'm absolutely with you on your recommendations.

Chris

I am a little surprised at the nonchalance with which the Cello Suites or the Violin Sonatas und Partitas are recommended. I wonder if people really hears in Bach all there is, and reaches the end safe. Bach is a hugely misunderstood composer, especially for people who grew up with the notion of Hændel as the epitome of Baroque. Bach had no concern for the listener, he wrote for himself and his God, or for his large family of pupils. If one learns to read one of the graphic analyses Heinrich Schenker did of Bach's music, it'll be obvious that the complexity of his textures and structures makes his music a real trip for dedicated trippers.

I've heard Bach for decades. I still am speechless when I realize how for him no audience exists. No care is taken to help the listener, to go to him, to address him. Bach's music addresses its author and mathematics. With due respect for all who love his music, I suspect that they get 25% of what's in it. Bach's music is not relaxing, is not stimulating, it is just and only a constant challenge to other musicians. Bach was not composing for you, so are you sure you want to lose yourself into an unwelcoming universe?

If I wanted to discuss life, I wouldn't do it with a philosopher, I'd ask a whore, someone who's ready to give all of herself. I'd ask Schubert, Mozart. Beethoven, Bruckner. Even Strauß. But Bach seems to me always just a beautiful excuse not to dirt one's hands (and ears) in music's real fluids.

CD

You wrote: 'he wrote for himself and his God, or for his large family of pupils'.

You forget here that Bach was hired as 'Kapelmeister' or 'Cantor' in which role he had to write music. That was part of his contract. Surely he wanted to do this, but we should not forget that only in the second half of the 18th century people started to compose because the had an inner drive for it. Like Beethoven. The struggle of Mozart is also quite known, willing to write music not earning any money.

The beauty of Bach is that it is beautifully composed, but also people not understanding these compositions can enjoy it. This also counts for the Cello suites. On Good Friday we had a guy playing one of the Cello Suites in the service and this is really appreciated by the people.

But what I don't understand is that there is almost no mention of organmusic in this topic. organmusic is the key to understand Bach.

Monster posted:

Yes, Victoria Mullova is excellent in Bach in my opinion. Look for her recording of the sonatas and partitas for solo violin on the Onyx label. Very special. 

BB

Yep, after listening to dozens of Violin sonatas & partitas, I can confirm: Victoria Mullova is top!

Hi Paul,

Do you like Bach's piano music? Here I got some recommendations from my Bach library:

1. BWV0806-811 English Suites - 1985 Ivo Pogorelić.  Ivo has an incredible technique and creates a gorgeous light sound
2. BWV0812-817 French Suites - 2013 Murray Perahia. The French suites by Murray Perahia are very well played here. Wonderful sound
3. BWV0825-830 Partitas - 2014 Igor Levit.  Igor Levit creates a beautiful sound on the Partitas
4. BWV0846-869 Das Wohltemperierte Klavier Teil I 1722 - 1970 Sviatoslav Richter ++   This is hardcore Bach! The sound quality of this 1972 recording is poor, but Richter's interpretation is excellent. The last Prelude & Fuga BWV 869 sounds like a 'long winding road'  to heaven....
5. BWV0988 Goldberg Variationen - 2000 Murray Perahia +  Very good
6. BWV0988 Goldberg Variationen - 2004 Cédric Pescia ++  Excellent

If you are touched by BWV 869, then listen to this version from Yuri Egorov: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV29KqTGdPE

Enjoy!