Customer Reviews

Handel: Water Music Suites

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

 

 

Riccardo Muti's recording of Handel's "Water Music" with the Berlin Philharmonic, recorded in 1985 in DDD sound, is THE recording to have of the complete "Water Music" played by a modern instrument orchestra. Muti's tempos are so sensible and musical. There is a harpsichord in the texture, and the Berlin Philharmonic seems a little leaner than in other recordings, taking into account no doubt that this is Baroque music. Muti doesn't shy away from slow tempos in some movements, such as the closing movement of Suite I, to make the points needed to be made. The Allegros really move and sizzle, and the orchestra never sounds scrawny or puny. Yet it is not the big orchestra treatment of Ormandy (CBS), Szell/London Symphony (Decca), Steinberg (Seraphim) for the 6 movement suite, or Van Beinum/Concertgebouw (Philips LP) for the complete "Water Music". Perhaps it would be safe to say that Muti/Berlin can satisfy the Baroque purist, as well as those loving a great modern orchestra sound.

This is my favorite recording of the complete "Water Music". I also like Van Beinum, and the Warchal/Capella Istroplitana (Naxos) is good, but a smaller ensemble and sound. For period instruments, I like Pinnock/English Concert (DG Archiv) and Hans Martin Linde (Virgin Classics). For such a small amount of cash, you can't go wrong with Muti's "Water Music."

This is my favorite recording of this piece. The pacing is faster than some, but not too fast. I have heard much slower pacings that put me to sleep. This recording just grabs me. I love Muti and the BPO.

This is one of the greatest performances of Handel's Water Music! While some might take some issue with the tempo, I think Muti does a legendary job. The Berlin Philharmonic is sublime.

This is a good performance, reasonably priced and includes all the selections. BPO play well, and Muti leads them pretty good, though Handel is probably not his forte. The keyboard accompaniment, vital to the score, gets lost in the background. At the moment, I don't have any alternatives to suggest other than to say that I am disappointed by the sound of period instrument ensembles. Baroque trumpets don't sound very good. I hear Sir Neville Marriner has two really good recordings with the modern instruments of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, a good recording on London, and an excellent digital one on EMI which I plan to buy in the future.

This is a beautiful arrangement of Handel's beloved suite. Many brides use movements of this for processionals, recessionals, and seating the family. My used copy was in excellent condition. It's enjoyable classical music for relaxing and entertaining.

The price is certainly right, but the interpretation is rather lifeless and uninspiring, so, to be truthful, I was a little disappointed.

I've been wanting this music for my auto for a number of years now. I had it as a cassette tape which broke. I'm fulfilled once again as I listen while driving.

really like this cd~ kinda bought it on a whim, there was a discount...beautiful recording, sensitively played.