Hessperion XX, Jordi Savall - J.S. Bach: Die Kunst der Fuge (2001)

Jordi Savall's rather unique recording of this Bach masterpiece uses a consort of viols...treble, alto (!), tenor, and bass viols and also a consort of winds...cornetto, oboe da caccia, tenor trombone, and bassoon. Some pieces are recorded with strings alone, others with winds alone, and some with both of them.
Throughout, though, there is an amazing clarity and quality of tone and the counterpoint is brought out beautifully. The performers do not obscure the lines by using excessive vibrato or too many players on a part; yet, the playing is still expressive and beautiful. The smaller viols sound wonderful on the high notes, and the lower viols have a resonant yet clear tone that you don't find from a modern violin-based string quartet.