Brandenburg Concertos
Johann Sebastian Bach
Benjamin Britten / English Chamber Orchestra
1968Prime recommendation. Sound is wonderful, warm, and full, not dated. Playing is very stylish. May be slightly heavy compared to modern style, but still charming and buoyant. A great way to get to know these works.
Apple Music — Six Brandenburg Concertos, with additional concertos performed by Marriner.Trevor Pinnock / The English Concert
1982 Period instrument performance.Excellent alternative choice (period instrument). A great gateway into period performances. Very musical, stylish, not overly fast, and has a nice warm sound.
Apple Music — Six Brandenburg Concertos on an album with the Orchestral Suites.I Musici
1984 Digital recording.A beautiful, beautiful recording with a really sweet tone. Excellent if you want something more sumptuous and sweet rather than percussive clarity.
Jordi Savall / Les Concerts des Nations
1991 Period instrument performance.A bit on the quicker side, virtuosic, but also very beautiful, almost sensuous phrasing. Gorgeous recording, good for those not used to period performances due to lovely sound.
Apple MusicRudolf Serkin / Pablo Casals / Marlboro Festival Orchestra
mid-1960sVintage performance. Interpretations are a bit idiosyncratic (sometimes faster, sometimes slower). Features Rudolf Serkin on piano. Great humanity, warmth, and love of the music. Heartfelt.
Apple Music — Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4–6 only, with Orchestral Suite No. 4.Rudolf Serkin / Adolf Busch / Busch Chamber Players
1935 Historical recording.Classic 1935 recording, also with Rudolf Serkin. Very musical, not heavy or sluggish. Stylish, doesn't sound overly romantic, but communicates warmth and love. Sound quality is dim but clear enough.