CD-Charts Position 1

Music at the Court of Louis XIV

from: Vanguard Classics

Release Date March 23, 2004

CD-Charts Position 2
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Marin Marais: Sonnerie de Sainte-Geneviève du Mont (Suites pour violes)

by: Marin Marais, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Leopold Stastny, Herbert Tachezi

Release Date August 10, 2004
For Octavius, the violas in this version of the "Sonnerie" groan, "in slow agony," whereas they should be "whirling feverishly and spiraling towards a heaven-like ecstacy [sic]." To my way of thinking, Savall's feverishly fast virtuoso version is dead wrong, destroying the aching sense of earth-bound melancholy that is so hypnotic (and which I think Marais intended). Nor is a heaven-like ecstasy always conveyed by speed (think of Bach's slow choruses). Of the several "Sonneries" in my collection, this is the only one I can hear any number of times without diminishing the effect. The recorded sound is superb, with an "in the room" presence. Altogether a truly fine disc to treasure.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Bach 2000: The Complete Bach Edition - Sampler

by: Ton Koopman, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Thomas Zehetmair, Robin Gritton, Luca PIanca, Klaus Mertens, Jap Ter Linden, Andreas Staier, Frans Burggen, Leopold Stastny

Release Date August 24, 1999
This is a great and relatively inexpensive introduction to the world of Bach. If you know nothing about Bach, the tunes on this disc will wake you up to just how influential and necessary he is in the history of classical music. "It all started with Bach" is not too extreme a position to take, especially if you follow up this recording with a listen to the complete Mass in B Minor, or the St.Matthew Passion or St.John's Passion, or some of his Cantatas. You'll suddenly realize that you've been listening to Bach your entire life.

This disc may now be hard to find because it was probably meant for limited release as a "teaser" for the Bach 2000 bajillion disc set. Nonetheless, if you can get it it's a good buy, especially since the ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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Marais: Sonnerie de Ste Geneviève/Suite No. 1 in C major/Suite No. 4 in D major

from: Harmonia Mundi Fr.

Release Date February 12, 1992
To me I think Octavius is overly hypocritical. While I agree that this is not the liveliest rendition available it is still worth while listening to at least for students or players to grasp various "takes" on the pieces. I agree that Savall (Jordi) is the best in the world however there are several other master Gambists who ARE worth listening to. Savall by the way is Spanish Catalan, not French although he speaks 5 or 6 languages very, very fluently. A list of other great viola da gamba players includes but is not limited to Hille Perl of Germany, Wieland Kuijken of Brussels, Belgium and of Flemish descent is a collaborator and close friend of Savall, Ralph Rousseau Meulenbroeks who is a direct living descendent of the French Viol Master Jean Rousseau, he ablsolutely ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Bach 2000: The Complete Bach Edition (Includes Commemorative Book) (Box Set)

by: Various performers, Various ensembles, Giovanni Antonini, Gustav Leonhardt, Ton Koopman, Harnoncourt, Alice, Gritton, Robin

Release Date September 14, 1999
I believe, as another reviewer has stated, Bach's music may be the best ever written. Also, I think the cantatas are not where Bach placed his heart and soul. He was, after all, employed as a canter and in a position he did not wish for, but was forced to take to feed his large family. (I recommend "Bach and the High Baroque" lecture series by TTC.) What really stands out on this collection are all works in volumes 8 and above. Some of these works are hard to find and having them all in this collection and preformed on original instruments is great. Bach is priceless and so then is this collection.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Vivaldi - The Four Seasons (Le quattro stagioni) / Harnoncourt

by: Antonio Vivaldi, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus musicus Wien, Frans Brueggen, Alice Harnoncourt, Milan Turkovic

Release Date April 09, 1996
I believe, as another reviewer has stated, Bach's music may be the best ever written. Also, I think the cantatas are not where Bach placed his heart and soul. He was, after all, employed as a canter and in a position he did not wish for, but was forced to take to feed his large family. (I recommend "Bach and the High Baroque" lecture series by TTC.) What really stands out on this collection are all works in volumes 8 and above. Some of these works are hard to find and having them all in this collection and preformed on original instruments is great. Bach is priceless and so then is this collection.

CD-Charts Position 7
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Telemann: Darmstadt Overtures

from: Elektra / Wea

Release Date April 05, 1994
I believe, as another reviewer has stated, Bach's music may be the best ever written. Also, I think the cantatas are not where Bach placed his heart and soul. He was, after all, employed as a canter and in a position he did not wish for, but was forced to take to feed his large family. (I recommend "Bach and the High Baroque" lecture series by TTC.) What really stands out on this collection are all works in volumes 8 and above. Some of these works are hard to find and having them all in this collection and preformed on original instruments is great. Bach is priceless and so then is this collection.

CD-Charts Position 8
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Handel's Largos

from: Elektra / Wea

Release Date May 01, 2001
Considering the first-rate, renowned conductors and performers, this unique compilation takes on even greater importance. Research reportedly has shown that listening to baroque largos enhances brain activity and the ability to learn. In any case, it's supremely and sublimely gratifying!

This unusual "Erato" release (under the auspices of parent company Time Warner, etc.) appears to have gone out-of-print. Better snap up any available specimen while you still can. You won't regret it. Baroque/Handelian aficionados wanting the ultimate distillation of unhurried-and-gentle instrumental music by which to brainstorm, work, relax or meditate will find this rare 2-CD compilation of the baroque master's finest largos indispensable!

CD-Charts Position 9
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Venice Music

from: Celestial Harmonies

Release Date April 21, 1995
Usually, compilations of classical music sound like a grab bag of greatest hits, with no regard for the integrity of complete works. Although that accusation could also be levelled at "Venice Music", with its excerpts from longer works, it plays out with a lot more consistency than most. It restricts itself to highlights of just a few recordings, maintaining a delicious flow from choral to instrumental and orchestral. Most importantly, the performances are all excellent, and all on period instruments. If you'd like just one example of beautiful baroque, this is the one to get.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Bach: Violin Concertos

from: Elektra / Wea

Release Date October 04, 1994
Ever since seeing the ballet Concerto Barocco I had the music stuck in my head. I found that it was to Bach's concerto for two violins in D minor. Every chance I get to listen to this music I take. It is so intricate and truly magnificent.