Customer Reviews

Complete Chamber Music

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

 

 

This is an outstanding collection of Handel's all-too-often overlooked chamber music, played by the highly capable ASMF Chamber Ensemble. Some reviewers on other sites have faulted the set for the varied continuo instrumentation (e.g. occasional organ and bassoon), likewise for the mixed instrumentation of the trio sonatas, but I believe that on the whole, this modern instrument set is more enjoyable than the period instrument set by Ecole d'Orphee.

Packaged in a very slim cardboard box with decent liner notes. Highly recommended.

Here's a LOT of chamber music for a very good price. The recording performance style is rather out of date though, because musicians today have learned so much about Baroque performance practice and the instruments of that period. The performers are really excellent players, don't get me wrong. Every cut is flawless and satisfying to listen to. The dates of the recordings reveal that this set is a reprint of studio recordings that date back to a previous generation of players who didn't have the benefit of historical research into actual Baroque period performance practice. Just enjoy the music. I'm sure George Frendric would have liked it a lot!

The lack of "period performance" criteria should be no obstacle in obtaining this excellent set. Sublime music expertly played. On the period performance front, the set of sonatas by The Brook Street Band is a nice compliment to this for those who love period practice, as is the set of violin sonatas with Egarr and Manze; if you have the money and adore Handel, you will want all of these. Interesting as the period performances are, for sheer enjoyment coupled with a bargain price this set is really all you will need.