Well Tempered Synthesizer

For anyone that enjoys the Moog-style synthesizers of the '60s/'70s, this CD is an excellent collection of classical works, played on that particular style of keyboard. Although it is out of print on CD, copies can still be had, though not cheap in any respect. The LP version would be cheaper, but the sound quality not as good.Originally, I had bought this work for "Monteverdi: Domine Ad Adjuvandum", which I had heard on the local Classical Music cable channel. I was pleasantly surprised at the rest of the CD, which is a little shorter in length than I had hoped for, but still full of other classical works that are highly pleasing to the ear. The CD opens with "Monteverdi: Orfeo Suite" and covers segments of Handel's Water Music, Scarlatti's Sonatas and Bach's Brandeburg Concerto #4.1. Monteverdi: Orfeo Suite2. Scarlatti: Sonata In G Major3. Scarlatti: Sonata In D Major4. Handel: Water Music: Bourree5. Handel: Water Music: Air6. Handel: Water Music: Allegro Deciso7. Scarlatti: Sonata In E Major8. Scarlatti: Sonata In D Major9. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: Allegro10. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: Andante11. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto #4 in G Major: Presto12. Monteverdi: Domine Ad Adjuvandum13. Stereo Alignment Tones14. Well-Tempered ExperimentsThough the CD is definitely a collector's item as evidenced by higher prices for those in new condition, I would recommend shopping around a bit. Even in "Used/Very good" condition, I think it would be advisable to pay a lower price for this item, in proportion to the length of the work.

This album is a triumph for Wendy Carlos, the player/creator of both Switched on Bach and this album. She weaves classical music with sounds of the synthesizer that were ahead of their time. This album is out of print and you should snatch one up while you can. It's almost impossible to find Switched on Bach for less than $100 these days.

Takes me back to high school in the 70’s

I remember first hearing this in the mid 70s, and it still sounds great.

It took longer than expected to arrive, BUT when I asked for a Refund, the Seller apologised and politely and appropriately suggested that I be a little more patient, AND sure enough, a week later IT ARRIVED! VERY SATISFIED!

A childhood fascination fulfilled once more, but at terrible price! Almost $60 to get this remastered caprice! Must say, though, that it is as good as I remembered it, way back in 1971 or so.It would be great if others could appreciate this work; a great introduction to Classical music, besides it's "new tech" atmosphere... though I don't see how that can happen at this price!It deserves to become better known... and more affordable!

I heard "The Well-Tempered Synthesizer" when it was first issued; like many people I was stunned by the strange, beautiful sound created by a "machine". Then I read about the difficulty of making the recordings, which took tremendous time and thoughtfulness, and this made me appreciate the human element more than the technology.Imagine someone who, to cook breakfast, designs a henhouse, raises chickens, gathers the eggs, grinds wheat to make bread, picks fresh strawberries...all for a breakfast that could be made more easily using traditional sources or methods. Pardon the clumsy metaphor, but this is what Carlos had done: giving me Bach, by creating a new kind of chicken to get to the egg.The sounds one hears in this recording are not as sophisticated as more modern synthetic voices, but they are still pristine and haunting. There is a sort of lonely, cosmic emptiness to the sound, but this is not discomforting; in fact, the music triumphs over the strangeness that no human hand or throat moved during the process, except at the keyboard and the 747-cockpit looking control panel of the Moog synthesizer.Having a CD of this music is a joy, and the music delights.

This is an updated version of the LP that was the follow-up to the very first of the "Switched-On" series. There are a couple of added tracks including commentary by Wendy Carlos.

Wendy carlos is a legend.

Alles Super

Just as good as I was expecting!

Sull'onda del successo internazionale della colonna sonora del film Arancia Meccanica, sono stati immessi sul mercato anche altri Album di W. Carlos, precedenti e successivi al. film, tutti di pregio anche se rimasti misconosciuti: alcuni erano dedicati a Bach, questo invece porta brani anche di Monteverdi, Handel , Scarlatti e naturalmente Bach. Indubbiamente Album per appassionati del genere!

かつて、私が、若かった頃、それを言うと年がばれるかも知れませんが、当時、FM放送でブラデンブルグ協奏曲第4番第３楽章プレストを聞いて、レコードを買って、よく聞いていました。それ以前には、スイッチトオンバッハもきいており比較すると、確かにウェンディ？カーロス？のサウンドです。多分、当時は、カーロスと思いますが。そして、モ-グのサウンドでもあります。今回、初めてCDで聞いた感想ですが、細かい所の再現性は、良いのですが、レコード盤と比べると迫力が少し欠けるのかな？でも、当時の大スピーカーで聞いていたのと違い、現代の小ぢんまりしたオーディオシステムで聞いてるからでしょうか？作風でいえば、バッハ以外の曲もあり、今でも、懐かしく聞いております。スイッチトオンバッハと比較すると、かなり表現力を狙った作品でしょう？多分、今、聞いいていての感じですが、制作担当者から、前作に比べ万人受けするような作品にしたのでしょうか？それでも、私には、今でも、心地良いサウンドとして聞いてます。そして、当時の感動に二度と逢えないと思っていたのですが、再び会えた事にアリガトウと言いたいです。