J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos

Although Johannes Sebastian Bach authored some two dozen concerti between (roughly) 1720-1735, his best known are the six Brandenburg Concertos, performed here in German castle settings by the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, led by Gottfried von der Goltz on violin. Light, but muscular, this vibrant, infectious sextet presented by a small ensemble, playing Baroque period instruments such as the recorder and harpsichord, as well as violin, viola, cello, trumpet, flute and oboe, will find a pleasant reception, especially among fans of traditional interpretations. While this Dolby Digital 5.1 enhanced recording provides sonorously joyful rewards, visually speaking it's less than arresting (of all musical genres, instrumental classical is perhaps the least suited to DVD), making this an optional purchase. Also newly available from Image: the double disc set J.S. Bach: 48 Preludes and Fugues--The Well-Tempered Clavier ($29.99). Aud: P. (R. Pitman)