7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Original sound is the best kind of sound, June 13, 2006
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Original Sound 2 (Audio CD)
When I first heard this set, I assumed the works that would stand out for me would be the Bach and Handel, because, bluntly put, they are the best Baroque composers. And, I thought, when you cradle the best Baroque composers in the hands of Christopher Hogwood and his Academy of Ancient Music, miraculous things occur. And they do. But after hearing both of these discs of period instrument playing, some of the greatest music I heard was by the obscure 18th century composers.
First of all, the ridiculously underrated Telemann, whose prolific musical contribution is hundreds of church cantatas, fifty operas, and many concertos and suites, gives us a lovely concerto grosso as the second feature in this set. The fast movements bring utmost joy, while the slow ones bring us tranquility (like in the viola d'amore solo at the end of movement one). The Arne overture is also very cheerful and charming. In addition, the works by Rebel and Boyce are very musical. Coming to the threshold of the Late Baroque geniuses (Bach, Handel, Vivaldi), their works are well-performed, yet there is something lacking in originality. The pieces have been played so many times; the standards are set too high. With the unknown Baroque instrumental works, everything is fresh, young, and new. (But I must say that the Brandenburg No. 4 is my favorite Bach recording of all time.)
Five out of five stars, at least. Overall, very sweet.
Thanks again, Christopher. Your orchestra is magical.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
