English Chamber Orchestra / Sir Philip Ledger J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos Bwv 1046-51 CD

Ledger has the advantage of fresh and detailed digital recording. He directs resilient, well-paced readings of all 6 concertos on modern instruments, lively, yet never over-forced. The slow movements in particular are most beautifully done, persuasively and without mannerism. Flutes rather than recorders are used in No.4. (Penguin Guide 3 stars) "I suggested this as the best of the budget-price CD versions - a commendation it now retains. All the soloists (listed inside) play with accuracy and sensitivity, Garcia earning an honourable mention for the fleet-fingered dispatch in Concerto No.4. There are many good things in this set, not least the expressively played slow movements" (Gramophone)

1. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 in F Major, BWV 1046;(No Tempo Indication) 2. Adagio 3. Allegro 4. Menuetto - Trio I - Polacca - Trio II 5. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 in F Major, BWV 1047;(No Tempo Indication) 6. Andante 7. Allegro Assai 8. Brandenburg Concerto No.3 in G Major, BWV 1048;(No Tempo Indication) 9. Adagio - Allegro 10. Brandenburg Concerto No.4 in G Major, BWV 1049;Allegro 11. Andante 12. Presto 13. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D Major, BWV 1050;Allegro 14. Affetuoso 15. Allegro 16. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 in B Flat Major, BWV 1051;(No Tempo Indication) 17. Adagio Ma Non Tanto 18. Allegro