At Last Bach Really Hits the Spot

Also try "The Goldberg Variations".. Glenn Gould seems to be the one I come back to most often. Welcome to the 'Family', Cwlondon :)

Agree with Lousyreeds - While I wouldn't say it's great for listening while driving, Glenn Gould's Goldberg Variations (his 1955 debut recording, NOT the 1981 version which I'd avoid) is one of the astonishing Bach performances of all time.

Three more:

The Well Tempered Claveir,Books One and Two. Ralph Kirkpatrich,DG
((Each book includes a prelude and fugue in each of the 24 major and minor keys.))

Musical Offering.((Late in his life,Bach wrote these for Frederick the Great,as an introduction to get his son CPE Bach a job))

***The Brandenburg Concerti. ((Written as an audition of the Margrave of Brandenburg)

Now don't make fun of me - but I like some of the Canadian Brass' stuff and I'd definitely recommend their perfs of both Art of the Fugue and the Goldberg Variations. You wouldn't want them as your primary versions but they are quite refreshing and interesting to hear done in brass after hearing them the "normal" way a zillion times.

You can listen to track samples at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00003OP6H/qid=1132344074/br=1-2/ref=br_lf_m_2//002-8619240-9594456?v=glance&s=classical&n=42313

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000026NK/qid=1132344074/br=1-8/ref=br_lf_m_8//002-8619240-9594456?v=glance&s=classical&n=42313

With the holidays coming, it seems like the right time to pick up a copy of the Christmas Oratorio. It's a long vocal work, and one of my favorites. There's a version available on SACD, too.
If you find yourself liking the Oratorio, then go on and try the St. John Passion, which might be my very favorite work of J.S. Bach.

Cheers.