Quoting Mark Sealey <[log in to unmask]>:

>> Yes, I have the Bach.
>
> Very mixed - if anything mixed can be 'very' anything.
>
> I decided the best way to check all CDs for faults (one or two only,
> though regrettably the SMP) was to listen sequentially.  It was then
> that I confirmed that there are highs and lows...  the cantatas, for
> example, are decidedly 'chewey'.  Boxy.  Lots of flat and warbling
> intonation.  Not so much variety in approach as one needs/is glad of.

I must confess that I am not a fan of boy choirs singing Bach choral
music.  That's not to say that I don't think it's authentic, but it is
to say that I prefer women's voices in this music.  It's my personal
taste.

> Most importantly, I've found it more than useful to have a complete
> reference set of my favourite composer so I'm never knowingly without
> at least one recording of everything.

Bingo, and since I specialize in the baroque repertoire as a singer, and
am often hired to sing Bach cantatas, this is one of the main reasons I
bought it.

> How did you buy yours, Kevin?

I bought it through www.archivmusic.com, with whom I have often done
business.  Ordered it on Friday and it arrived on Wednesday, total cost,
shipping and all: $133.

At this point I am satisfied enough to buy the Mozart and Beethoven sets
as well.  That's not to say I would have them as the end all, but they
sure do look cool on my shelf, and at about 75 cents a disc...hard to
go wrong.

Kevin

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