I have just purchased volume 4 of Brilliant's complete Bach which is
described as Cantatas volume 1.There are 5 CDs in this set and I have
so far listened to BWV 33, 56, 37, 80.

My immediate impression is that this is an excellent performance.  I could
nit pick over aspects of some of the singing but this would be churlish
especially in view of the price.

The CDs work out at about $3.2 each.  That's the UK price but there can't
be much scope for reduction in the US.  I am wondering what sort of
remuneration package the artists are on.

There are brief notes in the first CD of this set and each of the other CDs
has the text of the cantatas in German only.  The notes show that far from
these being an inexperienced group of performers many of them have done the
rounds with big names like Gardiner, Kuiijken etc.

Sound quality is absolutely superb, demonstration class.  The recording
venue is named as a church in Holland.  It has a wonderful acoustic with
just the right amount of reverberation, never overpowering.

All in all then an excellent start.  This is the first time I've heard
these works but already I'm hooked.

Another sensational bargain from Brilliant is their 8 cd set of Vivaldi
concerto's.  This has various artists but they're all big names like Trevor
Pinnock.

Every CD regardless of performer is wonderful here.  But incredibly most
were originally on offer at full price.

Again sound quality is superb.

I have already mentioned the Brilliant Handel oratorios set which is not
quite so excellent as the Bach and Vivaldi.  But, nevertheless excellent
value.

Brilliant's agressive marketing certainly looks set to shake up the market
dramatically.

Bob Draper
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