Switched-On Bach II
Wendy Carlos · 1973
40 min · 13 tracks · electronic music
A groundbreaking fusion of classical compositions and pioneering synthesizer sounds that redefined the boundaries of electronic music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: Allegro — This track stands out for its vibrant energy and dynamic textures, showcasing how Carlos transforms a Baroque masterpiece into a lively electronic experience.
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Sheep May Safely Graze, from “Cantata no. 208”, BWV 208 — The serene arrangement highlights Carlos's ability to evoke emotion through synthetic sounds, offering a tranquil contrast to more upbeat tracks.
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Selections from Suite no. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Badinerie — This piece captures the playful nature of Bach's original while demonstrating Carlos's meticulous attention to detail in synthesizer programming.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalA pioneering electronic reinterpretation of classical works, showcasing intricate arrangements and distinctive synth sounds.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of classical pieces reinterpreted through the Moog synthesizer, creating distinct electronic textures.
- Each track maintains a consistent tempo and style, with variations in dynamics and articulation that highlight the synthesizer's capabilities.
- 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
- dynamic reinterpretations
- wave-like pacing for focus
- short, engaging listening bursts
- playful motifs throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive pieces
- seek straightforward rhythmic patterns
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Wendy Carlos released Switched-On Bach II in 1973, she had already established herself as a leading figure in electronic music, following the success of her debut album, Switched-On Bach, which popularized the Moog synthesizer. This sequel further showcased her innovative use of technology to reinterpret classical works, solidifying her influence on both electronic music and classical genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Isao Tomita· Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Selections from Suite no. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Badinerie 1:27
- 2 Selections from Suite no. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Minuet 1:20
- 3 Selections from Suite no. 2 in B minor, BWV 1067: Bourrée 1:45
- 4 Two‐Part Invention in A minor, BWV 784 1:24
- 5 Two‐Part Invention in A major, BWV 783 1:13
- 6 Sheep May Safely Graze, from “Cantata no. 208”, BWV 208 5:10
- 7 Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Musette in D major, Anh. 216 1:12
- 8 Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Minuet in G major, Anh. 114 1:45
- 9 Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Bist du bei mir, BWV 508 2:18
- 10 Suite from Anna Magdalena Notebook: Marche in D major, Anh. 122 1:07
- 11 Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: Allegro 10:52
- 12 Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: Affettuoso 5:35
- 13 Brandenburg Concerto no. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: Allegro 4:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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