jzorns's Full Review: Bach Edition - Complete Works of J.S. Bach
Introduction & motivation to acquire I was gifted with this Brilliant Classics recording of Bach's (existing) Complete Works after singing the praises of the similar set of Mozart's. I decided to ask my family to give this to me for my 32nd birthday, in 2008.
For as long as I can remember, I've loved Bach's works.
I've gotten to the point where I can't find anything "new" of Bach's in the stores. I've found a ton of his works that I like, and not much that I don't like.
What I love about this I love that I can find "new" Bach music now. Works that aren't recorded any more. Some of it I like, and others, not so much. For example, I've found I like nearly all of his keyboard works, orchestral works, and about half of his vocal & organ works. However, I do not like most of his Cantatas. (and there are 60 CDs worth of cantatas)
What I hate about this I don't really hate anything about this, because I requested it with a realistic viewpoint. Having already purchased the Mozart Complete Works boxed set, I knew what to expect; namely good recordings on a lot of period instruments.
Who should or shouldn't buy this? If you have found that you like nearly everything you've heard of Bach's, and still thirst for more, this is probably a good purchase. After all, it contains 155 CDs full of his music and it costs about the same as 8 CDs of recordings from more famous labels. (It was about $140 when my family bought it) At this price, there are only a few reasons NOT to buy it: - You don't think you really like Bach very much. - You really hate not having jewel cases and booklets (you can buy cases separately, not the booklets though)
If you're really thinking about buying this, look up my eOpinions review on the Mozart Complete Works boxed set by this same publisher. A lot of the same points apply.
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