Which JS Bach album to buy?

Question

Obviously he didn't record any himself. Whose performance is the best?

Answer 1

Bach wrote hundreds of pieces in dozens of genres; you don't specify which you're thinking of. If you want it ALL, this box set actually looks pretty good: http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Complete-Works-155-Box/dp/B000HRME5U.



One of my favorite Bach CDs is this one: http://www.amazon.com/Bach-J-S-Herze-Schwimmt-Genug/dp/B002K0X0QO ... and my favorite Bach DVD is this recording of the Brandenburgs: http://www.amazon.com/Brandenburg-Concertos-Freiburger-Barockorchester-Bach/dp/B000EQHRVA/

Answer 2

Glenn Gould's recording of The Goldberg Variations is a very famous and successful album. Also his recording of The Well Tempered Clavier. And Pablo Casals and Yo-Yo Ma both recorded the cello suites. Also his Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, which many wonderful artists have recorded. And this recording of the Brandenburg Concertos sounds nice:



http://www.amazon.com/Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Brandenburg-Orchestral/dp/B0000057D8/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1310825304&sr=1-1

Answer 3

Goldberg Variations: GLENN GOULD. Though if you must listen to a version with harpsichord Wanda Landowska is cool too.

Brandenburg Concertos: Either the Concerto Italiano's or Martin Pearlman's with the Boston Baroque.

Well-Tempered Clavier: Everyone has their own favorite pianist for this one; I personally like Till Fellner's.

Violin Concertos: Itzhak Perlman.

Answer 4

You can buy the complete organ works on Brilliant Classics, performed by the Swedish organist Hans Fagius.



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bach-Complete-Organ-Johann-Sebastian/dp/B0001ZWJBC/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310814804&sr=1-1-fkmr1



It might seem a bit expensive, but you'll get 17 well-filled CDs for yor money.