I wrote:

>I heard that Hanssler recently issued a new recording of Bach's Musical
>Offering.  Does anyone know if modern or period instruments
>are used for the performance, and what do you think of the interpretation?

I can answer my own question since I picked up the Hanssler disc during the
lunch hour and sampled it while driving back to work.  The performances are
on period instruments; most of the musicians are from the Freiburg Baroque
Orchestra which has recorded for DHM and probably other labels as well.

As for the interpretation, I haven't listened sufficiently to come to
a conclusion, but it sounds idiomatic and worth more time.  I did want
to relate a relatively unusual choice of instrument.  Four of the tracks
employ a fortepiano instead of the trusty harpsichord.  It provides a very
different sound which is highly significant to the work.

As usual, Hanssler's cover art is a model of excellent aesthetics.  Just
about every cover of theirs is tasteful and, at a minimum, attractive.  The
Musical Offering cover is stunning.

Don Satz
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