John Smyth writes: >Hoping for a Kirshbaum-esque/HIP epiphany regarding the Sonatas and >Partitas, I have been combing the Gramophone data base for positive >reviews of HIP recordings. Can anyone second the magazine's positive >review of Monica Huggett's performance on Virgin? And what of Rachel >Podger's? (Vol. I, with Vol II projected? I can't work up much enthusiasm for Huggett's recording which I find rather eccentric and choppy. I much prefer Podger's two separately released cd's; the second volume came out in the U.S. at a least a few months ago. The best HIP recording I have comes from Lucy van Dael on Naxos; it's a gorgeous and incisive performance (also on two separate cd's). Since the price can't be beat, this is a fantastic purchase. Although I have not heard it, Arte Nova recently issued a 2-cd set of the Sonatas and Partitas for Violin performed by Benjamin Schmid. The set received a glowing review in the July Gramophone, although the performance might well not be in the HIP mode. >Finally, I am looking for a midprice introduction to the most popular >Bach Cantatas. I am very interested in a L'Oiseau-Lyre reissue featuring >Joshua Rifkin and company. I bought the Rifkin recordings when they first came out quite a few years ago; my admiration and love of these recordings just grows with time. At mid-price, they are a steal. What's so good about them? First, the conducting is thoroughly idiomatic and beautifully paced. Second, the vocal soloists are better than the norm from Gardiner or Suzuki. Third, the one part per voice approach is done so well by Rifkin and his performing forces; it provides an intimacy which is a wonder to behold without scrimping on power or drive. These are not mushy or weak performances. Fourth, the sound is fabulous. A year or two ago, I would have recommended Herreweghe as a general first choice in Bach cantatas. More intensive listening and listening to different versions one after another have convinced me that Rifkin is my first choice. Although John and I have differed on many musical issues, I do note that we share a love for Bach and also for some very fine more recent composers such as Novak, Suk, and Schreker. There isn't much to lose by going for the Rifkin set, and the potential gains could well be tremendous. Don Satz [log in to unmask]