Mass in B minor
Written as a job application, Bach’s sublime Mass, written over two decades, is a rich feast of superb orchestration and dizzying vocal textures.
Recommended recording: Véronique Gens, Andreas Scholl, Christoph Prégardien, La Chapelle Royale & Collegium Vocale Gent, Philippe Herreweghe Harmonia Mundi HML5901614/15
Fantasia and Fugue in G minor
Everything in this magical piece seems to fit just so – from the stormy, dramatic Fantasia to the contrapuntal wizardry of the fugue.
Recommended recording: Peter Hurford (organ) Decca 443 4852
St Matthew Passion
Bach’s greatest work, so it’s widely believed. The story of Christ’s Passion is told compellingly through expressive recitative and rousing choruses.
Recommended recording: Nicholas Mulroy, Matthew Brook, Susan Hamilton, Cecilia Osmond et al, Dunedin Consort and Players, John Butt Linn CKD313
The 48
Made up of two books of 24 preludes, Bach’s masterpiece explores all the keys of the musical scale with endless invention and beauty.
Recommended recording: Angela Hewitt Hyperion CDA67741/4
Cello suites
The six suites were the first virtuosic pieces written for the cello and are works of both complexity and simple elegance.
Recommended recording: Steven Isserlis (cello) Hyperion CDA67541/2
