Going Baroque – De Bach aux Baroques
The Swingle Singers · 1964
23 min · 12 tracks · a cappella
A vibrant fusion of classical melodies reimagined through intricate vocal harmonies and rhythmic precision.
Top tracks — play these first
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Badinerie (From the Suite in B Minor) — This track exemplifies the Swingle Singers' signature style, transforming a well-known piece into a lively vocal arrangement filled with intricate harmonies and playful rhythms.
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Air (From the Harpsichord Suite in E Minor) — The ethereal quality of this track highlights the group's ability to evoke emotion through vocal textures, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasts with more upbeat selections.
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Largo (From the Harpsichord Concerto in F Minor) — In this rendition, the Swingle Singers demonstrate their mastery of dynamics and phrasing, allowing the emotional depth of Bach’s composition to resonate through their voices.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases innovative vocal arrangements that blend classical and jazz influences effectively.
What we noticed
- Each track reinterprets a classical piece with intricate vocal arrangements, often layering multiple harmonies to create a rich texture.
- The album features rhythmic variations that incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopation and swing, which are not typical in traditional classical renditions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of intricate harmonies
- playful reinterpretations of classics
- bright energy for lively moments
- for focused listening
- quick sonic explorations with charm
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
- seek straightforward, linear narratives
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish The Swingle Singers' innovative a cappella style.
- Career context
- When 'Going Baroque' was released in January 1964, The Swingle Singers were gaining momentum after their formation in 1962, establishing themselves as pioneers in the a cappella genre. This album followed their debut, showcasing their unique ability to blend classical music with contemporary vocal techniques, setting the stage for their future innovations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pentatonix· Voca People· The Bobs
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Badinerie (From the Suite in B Minor) 1:18
- 2 Air (From the Harpsichord Suite in E Minor) 2:21
- 3 Gigue (From the Cello Suite in C Major) 1:18
- 4 Largo (From the Harpsichord Concerto in F Minor) 2:59
- 5 Prelude No. 19 (From the Well Tempered Clavier, 1st Book) 1:07
- 6 Preambule (From the Partita No. 5 in G Major) 2:22
- 7 Fugue (From the Estro Harmonico Op. 3, No. 11, Arranged for Organ by J.S. Bach) 2:20
- 8 Allegro (From the Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 4) 3:13
- 9 Prelude No. 7 (From the Well Tempered Clavier, 2nd Book) 2:32
- 10 Solfeggietto 0:54
- 11 Der Fruehling (Spring) 1:32
- 12 Prelude No. 24 (From the Well Tempered Clavier, 2nd Book) 1:55
What to play next
Getting Romantic
1965
Continues the vocal harmony exploration with a romantic twist on classical themes.
Bach's Greatest Hits
1963
Sets the stage for the vibrant reimagining of classical music in 'Going Baroque'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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