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So much Bach, where do I start?

I think I could really get into J.S. Bach, but I want to start with music that has characteristics I know I like.
Likes:
up tempo,
percussive/choppy
different voices simultainously playing different melodic lines,
modern recording,
virtuosity (duh)

Dislikes:
harpsicords,
organs (from what little I've heard...no percussive faculty)
quiet music (for the moment)

I've been researching some with Napster and for soloists I like really like Casalas and Segovia, but the recording quality is kind of distracting to me. I also quite like the Double Violin Conerto Viviance (even despite the harpsicord ;) it's the only non-solo music I've found so far) and the piano Fugue stuff.
So, any particular CDs to check out? I need something to compliment my first good stereo system!
grungle
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Frank, thanks for the extra info. I already ordered the MC Alain version on Erato (the # came in handy!), and my friendly music dealer is looking for the Walcha.
Best regards!
Greg
frap
202 posts
 
Greg, inadvertantly gave you the Erato LP cat #. Once more now,Erato CD# ECD 88030. Sorry
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Frap, the Alain is GREAT! Txs for the right # --- but my dealer found the CD just the same.
Thank you for the suggestion!
pls1
432 posts
 
The Walcha "complete" organ works on CD can be ordered from europe, try http://www.crotchet.co.uk. I just read in the Grammophone that it is due to be released in the US. MC Alain also did the complete Bach organ works, I have them on vinyl and find them an excellent alternative to Walcha, who is really my favorite in this music. I think only selections were re recorded or released on Erato.
rcprince
2,830 posts
 
I'll put in a plug for Christopher Herrick's Bach organ works cycle on Hyperion, well-recorded for the most part and well registered and played. I had the pleasure of meeting Christopher (he stayed at my home for a few days during an AGO workshop and concert at my church a few years ago), and found him to be a lot of fun but also a very serious musician, particularly with respect to his interpretations of Bach. The next summer I got to hear him play a number of concerts when he played all of the Bach organ works over a two-plus week period at Lincoln Center, quite a feat. Aside from his ability to master the technical demands of Bach's music, I find his taste in registrations to be excellent. As a good example of his playing, I'd recommend his Hyperion recording of the Bach Trio Sonatas, a reverberant and perhaps slightly bright recording which conveys the beauty and intricacy of those pieces, one of my favorite Bach organ discs.
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