JS Bach – Suite No. 3 in D Major / Concerto for Two Violins – Hamburg/1962 vinyl

J.S. Bach
Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV1068 *
Concerto for two Violins and String Orchestra in D Minor, BWV1043
Hamburg Bach Orchestra, conducted by Robert Stehli *
Hamburg Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Hans Jurgen Walther
Werner Hansen and Helga Diercks, violins

My transfer from vinyl. Scans included. FLAC at Maximum Compression.

https://mega.nz/#!JoAA1S6b!UvGcvs5zl0GK1cE0n_on45BZdMsEZ3p1bxcUpf9zjv8

Times change, and performance "norms" change with them. The way we hear Bach today – with the greatest amount of historical accuracy and authenticity possible – is very different to the way we heard Bach just a few decades ago, where performances with larger ensembles, modern instruments and a more contemporary approach was very much the norm.

This (mono) recording is of two pieces by Bach, made in the very early 1960s for subscription record label "The Classics Club" – there’s a lot wrong with it. The choice of performers won’t set the world on fire, nor will the choice of conductors. Recording quality is poor, bearing in mind that this record came around the same time that Decca and Mercury were pioneering stereo, recording technology had arguably reached full maturity. Nonetheless, I consider this a fascinating look back at another era.

If you’re new to Baroque music, this is not for you. If you know Baroque music and want to learn a bit about the way it was played once upon a time, or even if you have a fascination for old vinyl, this might provide 45 minutes of illuminating diversion.

This transfer is from an original 1962 pressing which was in good condition for the age, but The Classics Club was never an audiophile label – not even close – so please set your expectations accordingly.

The sound quality at the start of the Suite is poor and constricted, though it does improve as the album goes on. The volume steadily drops on a movement per movement basis. Likewise, in the Concerto, the opposite problem is evident – the volume starts off low and gets gradually louder. I have corrected both issues – but a side effect is variable surface noise; not obstusive noise, but it’s there.

It also features perhaps the crappiest, laziest cover design I have ever seen.

All in all, a curiosity – not something that should be a reference recording.

Nonetheless, enjoy! 🙂
TT

Thanks