I recently acquired another version of Bach's Art of the Fugue performed
by the group "Phantasm" on the Simax label.  It is performed as consort
music and is therefore similar to another recent version by the Keller
Quartet on ECM.

Some listeners will likely not care for the "consort" approach, feeling
that it does not allow for sufficient variety and becomes rather bland.
Anyone who might have this view should sample before buying.

In a comparison between the Phantasm and Keller discs, I found the Kellers
to offer a greater degree of dynamic shading and variety within the consort
environment.  Also, Phantasm did not provide sufficient inflection with
those sections of the work that I love most.

Both recordings have excellent sound reproduction.  Concerning cover art,
I much prefer the ECM disc.  It shows our performers trudging through white
snow.  The Simax disc shows a few bowls; I never have seen the appeal of
looking at bowls, fruit, etc.  Naturally, my wife loves that stuff.

Overall, I give the nod to the Keller Quartet.  With Phantasm, I wanted to
tell the performers to rise out of their slumber and show more life.  I do
want to point out that every review of the Phantasm disc I read has been
highly favorable.  Also, Phantasm has received excellent reviews of other
recordings they made including one of the Purcell Fantasias.

Where does that leave you? If you tend to agree with my recommendations,
go with the Keller Quartet.  If not, take the Phantasm or just skip the
whole thing.  My favorite version is still Gilbert on Archiv, even more
expressive than the Keller Quartet.

Don Satz
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