Customer Reviews

Greatest Hits HANDEL ~ Water Music, Largo, etc..

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

 

 

Handel is my favorite classical composer. He had a wonderful knack for melody and interesting counterpoint. This was the first Handel CD I bought, and it was a great place to start. I was not sure that I would like baroque music at the time, but this CD convinced me otherwise. There are some wonderful, fast orchestral pieces (such as the "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"), which are balanced by slower selections (such as the exerpt from "Xerxes" and "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Come"). "Eternal Source of Light Divine" is an extremely beautiful vocal piece. My only problem with this CD is that it made me want to buy other CD's of Handel's work which overlapped with some of the material on this collection. For example, this CD has exerpts from Handel's famous "Music for the Royal Fireworks" and "Water Music." In order to experience these works in their whole forms, I had to buy a CD that overlapped with the material on this one. However, this is an excellent Handel primer. It is the perfect collection to introduce a listener to one of the best and most accessible of the baroque composers.

Nothing else tops this unusually gorgeous rendering. Leppard's is the finest conducting of Handel to this reviewers ears. Especially the Xerxes Largo and the Watermusic
Hornpipes and Fireworks Oveurture tempi, legato and orchestration is full of warmth and energy. A true chiara scuro interpretation. Fabulous!!!!

I found this recording disappointing in many respects. The sound quality was much lower than expected, especially on track 7 "Largo" which on the origional, Ormandy had created such a quiet grandeur. In trach 11 "Let the Bright Seraphim" Wynton Marsalis overpowered the singing of Edita Gruberova, whereas the music should always be the backup of the singer, and not vice versa. I don't know what happened to the "Hallelujah Chorus," but it didn't come off very well at all.

CD

Very nice assortment of Handel's greatest works in a compilation which is meditative and energetic at the same time.

It has all of Handel's best work. The quality of the music and vocals is absolutely phenomenal. History included is very informative.

...the music is one of the most authentic feelings from human soul...it says without words the real feeling of the composer and listener...enjoy this beautifyl music to serenate your spirit....thanks God for music..