Where should I start with Bach?

[Daniel S.]

Bach is a big influence on a lot of my musical heroes, and there are a millions cd's of his work. Could anyone recommend a good album to start with? I already have 'A State Of Wonder' with Glen Gould playing the Goldberg variations in 1955 and 1980. I like it.

[SloopJohnB]

I happen to be a huge fan of Bach's works... I actually have three different editions of his "complete works".

To make a smoother transition between the Beach Boys and Bach, I'd advise you to buy "Switched On Bach" by Wendy Carlos. Be sure to buy a CD or a vinyl with the original recordings (from around 1967/68/69... Can't remember), as there have been many re-recordings of poorer quality.

If you don't know what "Switched On Bach" is, it's some of the best-known Bach tunes played on a Moog synthetizer. And it's GREAT. Aerial. Lighter. Maybe more "accessible".

In the "Caroline, Now!" tribute CD, Brian stated that he loved this album, and that it could have been one of his inspirations for the "Love You" album!

I'd also recommend you the three "Brandeburg Concertos" (or "Concertos Brandebourgeois"), which are simply amazing.

(P.S. It seems that some classical music experts think that the "Goldberg Variations", along with some cello suites, may have been written by Bach's second wife, Anna Magdalena: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2006/04/24/bach-wife.html)

[Daniel S.]

Thanks.

I just ordered the complete Brandenburg Concertos. I'm familiar with Wendy Carlos cause he/she did the score for A Clockwork Orange. I love what he/she did with that piece so I can't wait to get 'Switched On Bach'.