Tír Na HiFi

Diapason wrote:I really don't, but I've only heard 4 or 5 sets in any kind of detail. When Ton Koopman is good he's great, and you could ask Ciaran about the M C Alain set. Fagius, originally on BIS but now available cheap on Brilliant, has his moments, Herrick also has his moments, and Oortmerssen I find a useful resource if not always a great listen in the larger works.

It may not be possible to stick with just one.

Thank you for that Simon....I expected that answer but I was curious. I have the Alain on my Wish List but I am nor sure which one of the 3 cycles to buy....probably her third one.

fergus wrote:

Diapason wrote:I really don't, but I've only heard 4 or 5 sets in any kind of detail. When Ton Koopman is good he's great, and you could ask Ciaran about the M C Alain set. Fagius, originally on BIS but now available cheap on Brilliant, has his moments, Herrick also has his moments, and Oortmerssen I find a useful resource if not always a great listen in the larger works.

It may not be possible to stick with just one.

Thank you for that Simon....I expected that answer but I was curious. I have the Alain on my Wish List but I am nor sure which one of the 3 cycles to buy....probably her third one.

I have the Koopman and Foccroulle sets Fergus. I would recommend the Koopman one first although there are some nice performances from Foccroulle too.

DaveF wrote: I have the Koopman and Foccroulle sets Fergus. I would recommend the Koopman one first although there are some nice performances from Foccroulle too.

Thanks Dave....I have been looking at both of those sets recently as well. My gut instinct tells me to head in the direction of Koopman but I know that the Foccfoulle set is highly regarded in some quarters and I am intrigued by the Alain third cycle; the final say and the crowning of a lifetime's work so to speak....decisions, decisions!!

I promised myself a long time ago that I would not get back into buying vinyl again but I recently bought this lovely set....




....the details of which are....

did u buy it online Fergus? I havent dared go down this road ....yet.

DaveF wrote:did u buy it online Fergus? I havent dared go down this road ....yet.

Nothing so adventurous Dave....local charity shop....€5.00!!

Diapason wrote:I really don't, but I've only heard 4 or 5 sets in any kind of detail. When Ton Koopman is good he's great, and you could ask Ciaran about the M C Alain set. Fagius, originally on BIS but now available cheap on Brilliant, has his moments, Herrick also has his moments, and Oortmerssen I find a useful resource if not always a great listen in the larger works.

It may not be possible to stick with just one.

I recently got the Alain (3rd, digital) set, which has just been rereleased quite cheaply. I'd got a 2 Cd sample of the cycle and enjoyed it hugely and I'm enjoying exploring the full set. She uses a variety of organs from Bach's era, Schnitgers and Silbermanns and others, all very tasty. The Schnitger organ of the Aa-Kerk in Groningen, which she uses for the Trio Sonatas has quite a rackety action which you might find irritating but I find quite atmospheric.

The Concerti which Bach arranged for organ are absolutely exhilarating in her performances!

I also have complete sets by André Isoir and Peter Hurford, both quite different, both enjoyable.

Forgot about Isoir, good suggestion. Hurford is classic of course, but having seen him lead a masterclass on one of the Triosonatas I completely went off him. Lots of outdated advice and thinking, although that's not to say the set isn't enjoyable.

And I agree about the action in Groningen. Atmospheric for my money.

Ciaran wrote: I recently got the Alain (3rd, digital) set [....] She uses a variety of organs from Bach's era, Schnitgers and Silbermanns and others, all very tasty....

That particular aspect is what is attracting me to that specific set Ciaran.