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Bach Cantata recommendations

I'm looking for some suggested recordings to increase my acquaintance with Bach's significant (and lengthy) body of cantatas. Would appreciate:

1) Recommended works to start with
2) Recommended recordings of same

I am far more interested in quality of performance than 'audiophile' quality of recording, but great sonics are a definite bonus.

I am not a devotee of "authentic-period" instrumentation/intonation, but am not adverse to same. I just want to appreciate more of the genius of Bach's composition and have grown up with much of his work apart from an in-depth knowledge of the cantatas.

Any and all suggestions welcome. TIA

Tim
timwat
abysmillard
34 posts
 
No. 106, "Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit," blew me away the first time I heard it thirty-some years ago and continues to do so every time I play it. I prefer the performance led by Fritz Werner on Musical Heritage Society MHS 665, though Joshua Rifkin and The Bach Ensemble do a nice, if completely different, interpretation. I would stay away from the Bach Guild issue under Felix Prohaska unless you like your Bach performed, "in the manner of Brahms."
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ivanj
35 posts
 
Just about anything on the ARCHIV label.
ogs20
6 posts
 
Tim:

Try http://www.bach-cantatas.com/

BUT ... if your tastes are anything like mine (I like "large" orchestras, non-period performances) you may want to look at something by Karl Richter. There was a total of 3 CDs issued under the DG Masterwork (discontinued?) series, a total of 10 cantatas for budget price. There is also a recently issued Collectors Edition 10 CD (?) box set with Magnificat, Mass in B Minor, 2 Passions, and something else that I forgot ;) again at budget price.

Other suggestions that I came across was Herreweghe on Harmonia Mundi. Again there are a few that are ressiued at budget price that you can try out before commiting serious $$

Good luck :)
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