Bach: The Concertos for Two Harpsichords (1995)

Gustav Leonhardt has recorded Bach's Concertos for 2 harpsichords, BWV 1060-1062, twice: first in the early '70s with harpsichordist Eduard Muller on Telefunken and then again 20 years later with harpsichordist Bob van Asperen. The earlier recording was the first complete recording of the work on period instruments and in a historically informed style back from the time when the concept of performing Bach on period instruments and in a historically informed style was avant-garde. The later recording, this recording, ... Read More

Gustav Leonhardt has recorded Bach's Concertos for 2 harpsichords, BWV 1060-1062, twice: first in the early '70s with harpsichordist Eduard Muller on Telefunken and then again 20 years later with harpsichordist Bob van Asperen. The earlier recording was the first complete recording of the work on period instruments and in a historically informed style back from the time when the concept of performing Bach on period instruments and in a historically informed style was avant-garde. The later recording, this recording, followed many other recordings of the works on period instruments and in a historically informed style because by 1993, the avant-garde had nearly become old hat. So which of the two recordings is the one to get? The earlier recording has the joy of discovery and the brilliance of the young Leonhardt at the peak of his virtuosity. The later recording has the warmth of familiarity and the wisdom of the mature Leonhardt playing with one of his favorite pupils. The earlier recording is bright... Read Less