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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 1 response by pipetman

pipetman
45 posts
 
i read 'goedel, escher, bach' more than ten years ago - a fascinating book, but not an easy one. with regard to the composition techniques, hofstaedter - for the most part and as far as i remember - refers to bach's 'art of fugue'. in fact, 'goedel, escher, bach' inspired me to get a recording of this fascinating piece (kenneth gilbert on DG/archiv). however, this might not be the kind of baroque music you are looking for. not very easy to listen to, but still enjoyable (harpsicord, though).
for a better understanding of hofstaedter's work it might also help, if you read up a little on canons, fugues, contrapunctus etc. (i have to admit, i only have a very basic understanding of these topics).
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