Handel: Water Music, The Music for the Royal Fireworks, The Alchymist, Three concerti a due cori, Two arias for wind band [Original recording remastered]

George Frideric Handel (Composer), Christopher Hogwood (Conductor), The Academy of Ancient Music (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: The Academy of Ancient Music
• Conductor: Christopher Hogwood
• Composer: George Frideric Handel
• Audio CD (October 14, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000042HN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,068 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #46 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Featured Performers, A-Z > H to L

Editorial Reviews

No Description Available.
Genre: Classical Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 14-OCT-1997

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best Water Music recordings, August 10, 2000

By 

Paul Bobbitt "Pobbit" (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handel: Water Music, The Music for the Royal Fireworks, The Alchymist, Three concerti a due cori, Two arias for wind band (Audio CD)

I'm torn as to whether I prefer the Tafelmusik recording or this one. Both are beautiful, but each approaches the music in a different way. This recording is perhaps the more traditional of the two, with a slower tempo. The brass is particularly spectacular in this recording, giving a richness and depth to the slower passages. The French horns are incredible. Hogwood is also an acknowledged master of Handel, making this version a core piece in any collection.

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Towards the higher end of the pack, March 10, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Handel: Water Music, The Music for the Royal Fireworks, The Alchymist, Three concerti a due cori, Two arias for wind band (Audio CD)

Reading the liner notes, I am reminded that the occasion for which the water music originally was composed was royal river outing that started in the evening and lasted until 4:00 AM (Take THAT you modern clubhoppers!). The music was played three times through the course of this trip. I doubt there were many teetotallers. Soo...royal oarsmen, wine goblets overflowing with the best claret, tipsy nobleman and...hey! don't hit that river barge! Watch where you're goin' mate!

As such, I'd expect a little roughness in performances (especially for the 3:30 AM gig). Ill-tuned horns and all, I think Hogwood delivers about as faithful a rendition as is currently available. There are certainly more "refined" versions of the water music. I think these better resemble the follow-on peformances for the genteel, perfumed ladies seeking money for the foundling hospital. That's the beauty of Orpheus and Pinnock versions.

Hogwood gets 4 stars for getting close to the river ride. I will admit that my view has been biased by the fabulous 1976 rendition by Jean-Claude Malgoire which hasn't been bettered in this respect. No English band can shake a stick next to drunken French horn players. But Hogwood is a good near-term substitute until Sony wakes up and dips further into their vaults.
Additionally, the Fireworks music is fabulous; the due cori very nice, with similar touches of earthiness. All in all a good outing, and for decent prices.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Noble Performance, March 10, 2006

By 

Robert Andrade (Cupertino,California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handel: Water Music, The Music for the Royal Fireworks, The Alchymist, Three concerti a due cori, Two arias for wind band (Audio CD)

I have listened to numerous renditions by different performing artists, for several years, of both Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. The first time I listened to this CD played by the Academy of Ancient Music I felt I was listening to a high class performance. There is something about the clear sound of the instruments and the tempo and dedication to detail that this group of artists put into its performance that it really inspires me into the wonderful world of the baroque classical music and somehow it transports me to the time when Handel himself was composing and directing these beautiful masterpieces. And the bonus is also the beautifully played Duo A Cori concertos. I recommend it!