While I prefer Bach's GV on the piano, this new string orchestra recording is certainly wonderful. Spreading Bach's dense musical lines among several groups of players clarifies the counterpoint, and of course, string instruments can sustain the notes longer and add some tasteful vibrato, so this version casts the music in an entirely different light. The Britten Sinfonia plays magnificently. Fantastic sound, too--sounds like the group was closely mic'd in a very reverberant church, so there's a perfect blend of presence/detail as well as ambience.
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