Switched-On Brandenburgs cover

Switched-On Brandenburgs

Wendy Carlos · 1979

101 min · 19 tracks · electronic music

A groundbreaking fusion of classical compositions and electronic soundscapes that reimagines Bach for a modern audience.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047: I. Allegro — This track exemplifies the vibrant energy of Carlos's electronic reinterpretation, highlighting how she translates the intricate orchestral textures of Bach into lush synthesized sounds.
  • →
    Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: I. Allegro — The interplay between the solo instrument and the synthesizer here showcases Carlos's ability to create dialogue between traditional and electronic elements, pushing boundaries of both forms.
  • →
    Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048: III. Allegro — This lively movement underscores the rhythmic vitality present in Carlos's arrangements, capturing the essence of Bach while inviting listeners into an innovative sonic experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
79 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

This album innovatively reinterprets classical works through electronic means, showcasing strong composition and production.

What we noticed

  • Each of the six Brandenburg concertos is presented in its entirety, with a consistent structure across all tracks that mirrors Bach's original compositions.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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 journey experience
  • wave-like pacing throughout album
  • innovative reinterpretations
  • thoughtful listening in two halves
  • immersive exploration of classic themes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefers instant gratification tracks
  • seeks standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Wendy Carlos released Switched-On Brandenburgs in 1979, she had already established herself as a pioneering figure in electronic music with her acclaimed album Switched-On Bach from 1968. This follow-up not only continued her exploration of synthesizing classical music but also solidified her role in popularizing electronic interpretations of classical works, enhancing her visibility within both the classical and electronic music realms.
Stylistic neighbors
Isao Tomita· Klaus Schulze· Jean-Michel Jarre
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046: I. Allegro 4:14
  • 2 Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046: II. Adagio 4:09
  • 3 Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046: III. Allegro 4:27
  • 4 Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046: IV. Menuetto, Trio I, Polacca, Trio II 6:57
  • 5 Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047: I. Allegro 5:51
  • 6 Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047: II. Andante 4:28
  • 7 Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai 3:04
  • 8 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048: I. Allegro 6:30
  • 9 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048: II. Adagio 1:04
  • 10 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048: III. Allegro 5:07

Disc 2

  • 1 Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049: I. Allegro 8:05
  • 2 Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049: II. Andante 3:36
  • 3 Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049: III. Presto 4:47
  • 4 Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: I. Allegro 10:53
  • 5 Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: II. Affettuoso 5:35
  • 6 Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050: III. Allegro 4:56
  • 7 Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major, BWV 1051: I. Allegro 6:57
  • 8 Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major, BWV 1051: II. Adagio ma non tanto 4:41
  • 9 Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major, BWV 1051: III. Allegro 5:32

What to play next

Switched‐On Brandenburgs
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Switched‐On Brandenburgs

1980
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1975
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