Johan Sebastian Bach - Brandenburgische Konzerte

Notes on analogue recordings on LP

The cycle consists 6 concerti which are notoriously fitted on 2 LPs. To accomplish this

• either the cocerti are pressed in alternated order to fit two of the shorter concertos on the same side (still the sides that comprise 2 concertos are about 30 minutes long)
• or concerto No. 5 is split (which seems a better solution from the standpoint of pressing quality)

3 LP sets (complete list)

Releses on 3 LP:

Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, rec. 1959, Decca

Discogs

Albert Fuller, Aston Magna, rec. 1977, Smithsonian Collection

Discogs

Fitted on 5 sides, 6th side empty

2 LP sets (selection)

Karl Richter, Archive Produktion, 1967

A fine recording, althoudh not much beloved here.

Concerti reordered, not split. Sides 27 and 28 minutes long. No apparent impact to sound.

Benjamin Britten, English Orchestra, Decca, rec. 1969

Good middle ground recording. Concerti in order, No. 5 split. No problem with recording length per side.

Neville Marriner, Academy Of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Philips

1971 recording

Discogs Concerti reordered, not split. Side 2 is almost 30 minutes.

Re-released in 1981 as two separate LPs: Discogs, second part. My copy sounds dynamically compressed and lacks sparkle, esp. in inner grooves (although not distorted).

1983 recording

Discogs. An analogue recording (still in 1983!). Later re-released also as two separate LPs.

Concerti in order, No. 5 split. No problem with recording length per side. Sounds perfect.