Customer Reviews

Handel: Water Music; Music for the Royal Fireworks

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This has got to be one of the finest recordings available of Handel's famous WATER MUSIC and MUSIC FOR THE ROYAL FIREWORKS.

Performing on period instruments, the top-notch Aradia Ensemble, under the inspired direction of Irishman Kevin Mallon, delivers a recording that is a much needed breath of fresh air for admirers of this familiar music.

Citing the "lugubriousness" of other recordings, Mallon speeds up the tempi for both the WATER MUSIC and ROYAL FIREWORKS making those scores spring to life like never before. The quicker tempi may not sit well with some so-called purists, but only the most rigid won't be happily tapping their feet while listening. (Much of this is dance music, after all!)

To augement the period authenticity of the music, Mallon, in a stroke of artistic brilliance, adds purcussion to several tracks of this recording.(During Handel's time, it was common practice to include percussion in dances and overtures.) You've never heard a more rousing OVERTURE from THE ROYAL FIREWORKS until you've heard it with those regally pounding drums.

Additionally, this is the first recodring of FIREWORKS to properly include a transverse flute. The effect, of course, is pure magic and again lends an air of authenticity.

To top it all of, the great sound engineer, Norbert Kraft, has done it again for Naxos. The sound here is rich and natural, as is usally the case for this label.

Enthusiastically recommended for those who want to hear two well-known pieces again for the first time.

For years I've had the CD of these Handel compositions, recorded by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. That CD won a rosette from the Penguin Guide to Classical Music, but I couldn't stand listening to it anymore. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performance of these compositions was almost too-perfect and I found it seemed boring and too-structured.

Enter this recording, which I learned of when looking at things over at the Arkiv Music website. This recording on the Naxos label was a minimal investment (Naxos is a super resource for great music at low cost). What a delight to find such a high quality recording, played in a fresh and beautiful way. No, it is not note-perfect as the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra plays it. But, it is lovely and refreshing to hear, a delightful experience that has life rather than mechanical reproduction of notes. An excellent investment!

I ordered this CD before its release after hearing part of it on the car radio, and was so delighted with it that I told anyone who might listen. So it was a bit of a relief to read reviews such as the one above by Robert Levine. It is great to hear this fine music played with such joy and innovation, they dance through the dance movements, and sometimes add drum and tambourine. If you can hear this Fireworks Music, what a grand joyfull noise they make, without beating on your imaginary timpani and side drum, then there is a chance you might be dead.
This is an excellent recording of excellent music at a super-bargain price, very highly recommended. Look out for other period instrument recordings by Mallon and the Aradia Ensemble.

And splendorous in every way.

Mallon and the Arcadia Ensemble perfectly capture the true magic
of Handel's gift: music that is glorious, majestic, yet always
inspired by the most marvelous sense of an uncommonly common touch.
In a word: entertainment.

The performance of every suite is graced with much care, nuance and balance.
Yet, overall and most importantly, their wonderful vitality has been preserved
and, dare I say it? enhanced.

Here is wonderfully celebratory music, performed with loving attention to every
aspect of it's playful and inspirational soul, dancing with delight.

This excellent recording is also available as an SACD [Handel: Water Music; Music for the Royal Fireworks [Hybrid SACD] for only slightly more money. Irrespective of format or price, it's a top choice for these much loved works. Through clear textures and relatively rapid tempos, conductor Kevin Mallon restores the joy and excitement to these very familiar pieces. Classics Today rates the disc 10/10 for both artistry and sound, and you will enthusiastically agree.

The orchestra conductor has taken too much liberty with the score. It has run amok. Certain passages are played way too fast.