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 [log in to unmask]