Customer Reviews

Handel: The Complete Sonatas for Recorder

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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While in person Marion Verbruggen gives off the wild energy of someone whose finger is perpetually stuck in an electrical socket, her recordings invariably show off her consummate taste and musical judgement. This CD is no different. Handel's wind sonatas are not really his most creative work, and it's relatively easy to interpret them in a lifeless, mechanical fashion (witness Michala Petri's recording of these sonatas with musicians from the Academy of St. Martin In The Fields). Verbruggen manages to avoid a mechanically virtuosic interpretation, although she certainly has the chops to compete with such virtuosi as Petri and Piers Adams. Her ornamentations are always skillful and yet carefully considered, adding spice to Handel's original music without damaging the flow of the phrasing or wrecking the ensemble. Speaking of ensemble, the continuo players also deserve kudos for sensitive and flexible support of Verbruggen's lovely playing. All in all, this is a stylish, fresh interpretation of these often over-played sonatas.

This album of Handel's complete Recorder Sonatas with Basso Continuo consisting of harpsichord or "chest" organ and cello contains some very beautiful music from Handel's "Italian period". Marion Verbruggen produces some lovely and beautiful tones on the recorder. In fact this entire album was very "easy" on my ears containing wonderful works played very beautifully by all involved

Do yourself a favor and listen to some beautiful music by (composed by one of the greatest composers ever) buying this disc. The sound of the recording is great too, never turning harsh.

Handel's music is gorgeous even when played by a novice so imagine my delight when I found this cd. Mrs. Verbruggen plays with so light and lyrical a touch that she often transcends even the wonderful music she's playing. Please buy this cd. If you even think about the recorder buy this cd. Handel would be very pleased.

around the recorder. I really, really enjoyed this CD. I once played but not scurrying over the notes so professionally. Thank you, Mr Hersom, my music teacher from 1965-1972! Brings back fond memories of performing for the school and VIP visitors (my mum and dad). Buy it for your kids, they may enjoy the fast fingered life of the recorder. Sorry it's lost its appeal. The recorder is a lot cheaper than a flute but just as melodic.

I am finding this recording pretty soothing and relaxing. Despite the accompanying instruments, it's the recorder, carrying the melodies of the pieces, that is the main star of these pieces. I used to play the recorder when I was in elementary school, oh so many years ago, and so it's nice to hear the instrument used as it was intended to be played. Definitely a good choice, picking this up.