Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Diego Fasolis, I Barocchisti :: J.S. Bach: Suites Nos. 1-4, BWV 1066-1069 [Hybrid SACD]

These Bach SACDs Are Wonderful

John D. Truslow | Boston MA | 09/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this Bach recording on the Arts label, along with the Brandenburg Concertos (also SACDs, also on Arts) and was completely delighted. Everything sounds fresh, spontaneous, inspired. I wish the "high-end" magazines would feature the SACDs on Arts and help make them better-known. If you think these works are too familiar to hold any surprises, then you should take a listen!"

More superb performances and exceptional sound quality from

Joey Joe Joe Jr. Shabadoo | Boston, MA USA | 01/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the third disc I have purchased from this fine ensembles' survey of Bach's orchestral oeuvre. After greatly enjoying their readings of Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-4 and Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 5&6/Triple Concerto BWV 1044, I looked forward to this CD with great anticipation.

Regarding interpretations, these readings are some of the finest I have heard, with ideal fast-but-not-too-fast tempi throughout. There is nothing "authentic for the sake of authentic" about these period performances, as everything is in good taste. For comparison, Fasolis & I Barocchisti take things at a slightly faster pace than Pinnock & The English Concert, and at nearly the same pace as my personal favorite cycle by Goebel & Musica Antiqua Koln. The main difference between this release and those of course, is the added benefit of multichannel DSD audio on this hybrid SACD. The SACD layer has incredible sound, boasting exceptional instrumental spacing and detail. The virtues of this medium are even better served by the slightly larger orchestral forces used in the Overtures as compared to the sparser, more chamber-oriented ensemble the group used for the Brandenburgs. In particular, the horns, double basses and kettle drums sound pronounced and mighty here, as compared to the slightly set-back sound on the aforementioned CDs by Pinnock & Goebel. The stereo CD layer also sounds excellent, and better than most other recordings of these works that I have heard.

Overall, another excellent account by Fasolis and I Barocchisti. I can only hope that they one day record Bach's violin concerti for SACD, as the group's violinist is exceptional and I would love to hear this performer in the spotlight. Highly recommended, especially if you have access to an SACD player."

High on Bach

James S. Hardeman | Long Beach, CA USA | 05/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"CD was in great shape and held music I heard on a Classical radio station"