Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks (original version 1749) / Pinnock, The English Concert [IMPORT]

George Frideric Handel (Artist), Trevor Pinnock (Artist), The English Concert (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 11, 1997)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Dg Imports
• ASIN: B000001GYS
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #194,053 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Track Listings

1. Music for the Royal Fireworks, for orchestra, HWV 351: Overture, Adagio/Allegro/Lentement

2. Music for the Royal Fireworks, for orchestra, HWV 351: Bourree

3. Music for the Royal Fireworks, for orchestra, HWV 351: La paix. Largo alla Siciliana

4. Music for the Royal Fireworks, for orchestra, HWV 351: La rejouissance. Allegro

5. Music for the Royal Fireworks, for orchestra, HWV 351: Menuet I / Menuet II

6. Concerto in F major, HWV 331

7. Concerto in F major, HWV 331

8. Concerto in F major, HWV 331

9. Concerto in D major, HWV 335a: Largo

10. Concerto in D major, HWV 335a: Allegro

11. Concerto in D major, HWV 335a: Allegro ma non troppo

12. Work(s): Passacaille, Gigue and Menuet in G major

13. Work(s): Passacaille, Gigue and Menuet in G major

14. Work(s): Passacaille, Gigue and Menuet in G major

15. Work(s): Occasional Suite in D major

16. Work(s): Occasional Suite in D major

17. Work(s): Occasional Suite in D major

18. Work(s): Occasional Suite in D major

19. Work(s): Occasional Suite in D major

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Here's another fine performance of the Fireworks Music in its original scoring for 9 horns, 9 trumpets, 21 oboes, 21 bassoons, 3 snare drums, and 3 timpani. It makes a grand noise, but just as interesting is the music that conductor Trevor Pinnock has assembled from other Handel works--something the composer himself did--to provide a rich and enjoyable selection of orchestral music that we'd ordinarily never hear in this form. Pinnock has had a tendency in the past to sound somewhat stiff in Handel's music, but here he lets his hair down and everyone concerned seems to be having a very good time. So will you. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD quickly became one of my favorites!, November 3, 1999

By A Customer

This is the first time I have had the pleasure of hearing The Royal Fireworks Musick in its original 1749 form. Absolutely glorious! The following concerti, Passacaille, Gigue & Minuet and the Occasional Oratorio are an absolute delight! This very quickly became one of my favorite CDs-- not only because Handel is one of my two favorite composers (J.S. Bach being the other) but also because The English Concert is such an outstanding group. They give the listener an idea of what the music would've sounded like back in the days when REAL music was written and performed. This music is very festive. Pop open a bottle of Champagne and enjoy!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a great Handel disc, March 9, 2003

By	Brian Linnell (Omaha, Nebraska) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Masterful, bracing performances of some of Handel's best orchestral music. Everyone knows the Fireworks Music and this is a very good account (be aware, however, that this is the original scoring with no strings, just winds and percussion; I imagine the sound won't suit you if you don't like things too earthy); you will also really like the Passacaille, Gigue and Menuet, and the Occassional Suite. I'm amazed at the skill of these period-instrument players.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exhilarating, June 19, 2000

By A Customer

It is unlikely that the Royal Fireworks Music was ever performed like this (there is evidence that Handel managed to sneak in violins, despite the King's declared preference for "martial instruments" only (a bit odd for a piece celebrating a peace treaty)). However, the results are truly exhilarating. It has been attempted only a few times before - Mackerras, Fennell/Eastman Wind Ensemble and Paillard - the last-named used every top wind player in Paris led by the king of trumpeters, Maurice André. In my opinion, Paillard is marginally better than this (more drama, more light and shade in the reading), but to the best of my knowledge it is no longer available. Moreover, Pinnock uses original instruments, with their unique sound. All in all, a fabulous sound and well worth acquiring.