Customer Reviews

25 Handel Favorites

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As would be expected, the lion's share of VOX's 25 HANDEL CLASSICS is taken from his three best-remembered works. Thus, there's 7 "Messiah samples, 6 "Water Music" excerpts and 5 "Royal Fireworks" highlights. For the casual listener, this format may be preferable to full works.

As with all other titles in the series, liner notes are non-existent. Audio quality is uniformly good.

PERFORMERS--
Generically-named Philharmonia Chamber orchestra ("Messiah") are students of Rochester, NY's Eastman music school. Donald Neuman is one-time choral instructor at that institution. Their dry rendition of George Handel's most famous oratorio has all the earmarks of sincere amateur performance: accurate, yet devoid of emotional appeal.

Compare these dubs to Minnesota orchestra's "Water Music." Nicely expressive throughout, the polish on display here epitomizes professionalism. The Minnesota also renders solid work on several "Fireworks" selections.

Manhattan Chamber orchestra ("Silent Worship" and "Lascia ch'io Pianga") have been in exstence since 1987. Richard Auldon Clark is their original director/conductor. The unidentified alto on these tracks possesses a fine voice.

Anthony Newman is not this reviewer's favorite organist (too choppy), so it's unfair to judge his B-flat major fugue. Newman accompanies New York Trumpet Ensemble on the "Judas Maccabaeus" march. Was unable to glean any info on this capable unit.

South-west German Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1950 by a former Hindemith student. This fourteen member ensemble consists of musicians from many countries. They are quite good on their two D major concerto grosso samples.

TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 79:47

This a wonderfull Handel CD, a great mix of his songs both uptempo and sacred. I don't really know much about his works but i thought this cd as a casual fan of the artsist was a very good mix of songs.

I purchased this CD because I like to listen to Water Music and even
have it as my ringtone. The other feature I enjoyed listening that came with this CD the vocal songs...Hallelujah Chorus and For unto us a Child is Born. Those who like classical music should add this to their collection. The only drawback is when it came to track two and three....
Pastorale and Bourree I can't hardly hear it I have to increase the volume then lower it again because it will be too loud for the next track.

The music is of course beautiful but these (all the series) are NOT complete works! So they are good for listening to in the car or home. They are a great introduction to the classics, though.

Absolutely what I expect of Handel! Good stuff, if this is your "bag".