Sometimes, I make dumb purchases. Two days ago, I bought Marriner's Art of the Fugue and Musical Offering on Phillips. I already know that I dislike modern instruments for Baroque works and am never satisfied when I purchase them. Yet, every two years or so I still buy a baroque recording on modern instruments. In the present instance, I've been thinking better of Marriner based on his recent Schumann symphony recording on Hanssler. Also, buying both Bach works for the price of one full-priced disc looked attractive. So, I did it. The best I can say for the recordings is that they are acceptable for listening to in the car when traffic noises are at a high decibal. The sound of the violins is a "killer" for me. Also, Marriner does not in my opinion offer sufficient variety; it's the same old thing from one track to the next with little expressiveness. Last night, just to get straight, I played the Hesperion version of the Art of the Fugue on Astree. What a difference! As far as the Marriner set goes, I'll keep it in my car and play it when road construction is going on. Eventually, the Albuquerque sun will melt it down. Don Satz [log in to unmask]