Bach: Cello Suites

This was perhaps the first CD that I heard when I started building my collection. One and a half years later, I listen to Casals again, and I definitely appreciate his interpretation. Before I thought it sounded to harsh, now, I think it is dramatic. The difference in choice of words clearly demonstrates that I have (finally) added to my criteria the intention of the performer.
Casals attack are fierce, conveying a shocking impression which fills the space. The recordings (1936, 1938, 1939) are not flawless (acoustic and precision-wise) yet neither criteria is why you would buy this 2 CD set for.
Casals definitely opened a new way of interpreting Bach, and it is completely portrayed in the Cello Suiten.

Name	Key	Catalogue	Musicians	Observations
CD 1
Suite #1	G	BWV 1007
Suite #2	Dm	BWV 1008
Suite #3	C	BWV 1009
CD 2
Suite #4	Eb	BWV 1010
Suite #5	Cm	BWV 1011
Suite #6	D	BWV 1012

Schubert: Alfred Brendel plays Schubert

This is amazing. It is a lovely set of 3 CD's from Vox. There is no loss throughout the set. (I should come to write further sometime ;). Brendel is brilliant. The set is so favourably priced as well.

Disc 1 (75:04)



• Impromptus Op.90 (D.899) no.1-4


• Moments Musicaux Op.94 (D.780), no.1-6


• Three pieces Op. Posth. (D.946) no.1-3



Disc 2 (67:27)



• Fantasia in Fm for piano 4-hands, Op.103 (D.940)


• Allegro in Am for piano 4-hands, Op.144 (D.947) "Lebensstürme"


• "Grand Duo" Sonata in C for piano 4-hands, Op.140 (D.812).
  With Evelyne Crochet



Disc 3 (74:56)



• Fantasy in C Op.15 (D.760) "Wanderer"


• Impromptus Op.142 (D.935) no.1-4


• Schubert & Liszt: Fantasy in C for Piano and Orchestra
  Michael Gielen conducts the Vienna Volksoper Orchestra