The coupling of the Brandenburgs with the Suites (Ouvertures) on three discs has everything (not least economy) to recommend it, though it is now viable with LPs the preference is, in the present 'climate', for CDs The same thoughts were entertained by EMI when they reassembled the performances by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields under Marriner ( CDS7 47881-8, 7/87) but the packaging was unfortunately superior to the distinctly pedestrian product, as NA and IM have noted With the recordings by The English Concert, previously untidily dispersed, it is a different tale they are as 'authentic' in every instrumental and stylistic way as you will find, and they exude enthusiasm A few uncomfortable features (mainly concerned with tempo and recording acoustic) have been commented on but they are far outweighed by the good news (to name but one item, Simon Standage's delivery and ornamentation of the famous Air from BWV1068 gives more contentment than any small cigar) announced by NA, Roger Fiske and LS in their original reviews—to which I commend the reader's attention This is by far the best way to acquire these works at present, and it is likely to remain so for some time, the fact that this box comes at mid price merely reinforces the recommendation'