BaL 13.01.24 - Bach: Orchestral Suites 1-4

[Master Jacques]

Quite an interesting BaL, though the number of recordings discussed was extremely limited.

As is the number of responses to Nicholas Kenyon's survey. I can only think, that this is because he did his job so well. A proper broadcaster, not phased even when there were two clips being played accidentally at the same moment!

[silvestrione]

As is the number of responses to Nicholas Kenyon's survey. I can only think, that this is because he did his job so well. A proper broadcaster, not phased even when there were two clips being played accidentally at the same moment!

Unlikely: many of us listen later on iplayer, so things can be slow to get going!

[MickyD]

I listened to it yesterday afternoon and was not surprised that it was so good - Nick Kenyon is always interesting to hear. Bearing in mind he had a vast list to consider, I thought he gave a very comprehensive survey through the ages. Fascinating too, that we are now at the stage of discussing the first HIP performances and those of the newer generation today. My only quibble was that the very first HIP recording from Harnoncourt didn't get a mention - it is something of a landmark in HIP recordings.

[richardfinegold]

Did Hogwood or Suzuki get mentioned?
also I don’t remember the history of the works. We know why the Brandenburgs were written, but were the Suites written for a specific purpose, and are they all contemporaneous? I know the first post has something but frequently the presenters have some more input

[hmvman]

I remember the Argo Marriner set breezing in like a breath of fresh air after the dark dull predecessors - I’ve not moved on from these having not heard any convincing successors since.

Likewise

[smittims]

While I too treasure the Dart/Marriner I don't recall hearing any 'dark, dull' recordings. My first were Lorin Maazel and the Berlin RSO on Philips, rether beefy, though he did at least include a harpsichord.

[hmvman]

I got to know these pieces from an LP borrowed from my local library of Yehudi Menuhin conducting the Bath Festival Orchestra (HMV/EMI as I recall). I don't think it was dark or dull but, as cloughie said, the Marriner/Dart recording was like a breath of fresh air. I bought the set with money given to me as a 19th birthday present!

[MickyD]

Did Hogwood or Suzuki get mentioned?
also I don’t remember the history of the works. We know why the Brandenburgs were written, but were the Suites written for a specific purpose, and are they all contemporaneous? I know the first post has something but frequently the presenters have some more input

Hogwood was mentioned, but got rather brushed aside as one of the older HIP recordings that had since been surpassed by newer ones. As far as I recall, Suzuki didn't get a mention. I was glad that even though now considered vintage, Goebel was still thought of as important.

[Maclintick]

My first were Lorin Maazel and the Berlin RSO on Philips, rether beefy, though he did at least include a harpsichord.

A double-LP on the Fontana label - also my introduction to the Orchestral Suites. I haven't played it since acquiring the DG Arkiv English Concert/Pinnock version, which, as Nick Kenyon & AMcG observed, still sounds remarkably fresh.

[LMcD]

As is the number of responses to Nicholas Kenyon's survey. I can only think, that this is because he did his job so well. A proper broadcaster, not phased even when there were two clips being played accidentally at the same moment!

That would be the vastly underrated and criminally neglected arrangement by Charles Ives, no doubt.

[richardfinegold]

Hogwood was mentioned, but got rather brushed aside as one of the older HIP recordings that had since been surpassed by newer ones. As far as I recall, Suzuki didn't get a mention. I was glad that even though now considered vintage, Goebel was still thought of as important.

I was overlooking Goebel, as I have that in my collection since I purchased the big MAK box. I played them once but didn’t find them compelling, but will have to give them another try

[silvestrione]

That would be the vastly underrated and criminally neglected arrangement by Charles Ives, no doubt.

(Ah! Indeed, why has there never been a BAL on the Three Places in New England?)

[gurnemanz]

Hogwood was mentioned, but got rather brushed aside as one of the older HIP recordings that had since been surpassed by newer ones. As far as I recall, Suzuki didn't get a mention. I was glad that even though now considered vintage, Goebel was still thought of as important.

In his Faber Guide to Bach (pub 2011, Kuijken/Petite Bande came out 2013) Goebel was Mr Kenyon's top recommendation along with Koopman/Amsterdam Baroque, Huggett/Ensemble Sonnerie, Lamon/Tafelmusik. The latter two are nla.

[LMcD]

In his Faber Guide to Bach (pub 2011, Kuijken/Petite Bande came out 2013) Goebel was Mr Kenyon's top recommendation along with Koopman/Amsterdam Baroque, Huggett/Ensemble Sonnerie, Lamon/Tafelmusik. The latter two are nla.

Does 'nla' include copies available from Amazon and other sellers mentioned on the latter's website?

[gurnemanz]

Does 'nla' include copies available from Amazon and other sellers mentioned on the latter's website?

I wrote nla based on Alpie's list, without checking availablity. I note that Presto have Tafelmusik/Lamon as a download ...but they seem to have included only Nos 1, 3 and 4, which would surely be a drawback for many purchasers.