So much Bach, where do I start?


I think I could really get into J.S. Bach, but I want to start with music that has characteristics I know I like.
Likes:
up tempo,
percussive/choppy
different voices simultainously playing different melodic lines,
modern recording,
virtuosity (duh)

Dislikes:
harpsicords,
organs (from what little I've heard...no percussive faculty)
quiet music (for the moment)

I've been researching some with Napster and for soloists I like really like Casalas and Segovia, but the recording quality is kind of distracting to me. I also quite like the Double Violin Conerto Viviance (even despite the harpsicord ;) it's the only non-solo music I've found so far) and the piano Fugue stuff.
So, any particular CDs to check out? I need something to compliment my first good stereo system!
grungle

Showing 4 responses by frap

1)Trevor Pinnock's Recording of Brandenbergs/Archive--None finer.Archive/Digital 1984 versions
2)Even if you hate harpsichord or organ now, you may find the music transcribed on other insruments. Not to be missed category
A)Schubler Chorals. Alain/Erato/org
B)Goldberg Variations /Gustav Leonhardt/hrpchd
C)Tocattas & Fugues / Walcha/org/Archive
D)2&3 part Inventions/ Kenneth Gilbert/hrpchd/Archive&HM
3)I highly recommend the Italian Concerto done on piano by Alfred Brendel/Phillips(Includes chorale preludes done incredibly well)
4)Well tempered Clavier/Sviataslav Ricter/piano version/DG
Hope you enjoy the journey through this greatest of all baroque composers....Frank
Hi Greg; Just to clarify, The great version of the Schubler is Marie Claire Alain, Erato Digital, CD # 75064.
This was early digital , but the sound (amazingly)was demonstration quality. Better than the earlier analog versions.
Helmut Walcha is the definative Tocatta &Fugue in D, on Archive CD. Hope you can find them still available in the catalouge. Good luck Greg.
Greg, inadvertantly gave you the Erato LP cat #. Once more now,Erato CD# ECD 88030. Sorry
Greg, you are quite welcome and thank you for taking a chance on my opinions.