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)

Product Details

• Orchestra: The Academy of Ancient Music
• Conductor: Christopher Hogwood
• Composer: George Frideric Handel
• Audio CD (October 14, 1997)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000042HN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #72,791 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This is a fine Handel compilation that provides a nice overview of his orchestral music with brass instruments, as well as his only incidental score (music written to accompany the action of a play). Christopher Hogwood uses the arrangement that Handel made of the Fireworks Music for normal-sized forces, including strings, which were absent from the original. All the music is played with a fine sense of style, and a goodly bit of the "pomp and circumstance" that Handel above all others knew how to capture in music. At two discs for the price of one, this is an extremely good deal. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 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

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.

26 of 31 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

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.

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE!, February 20, 2000

By	Ben Sparrow - See all my reviews

This CD is a powerful, electrifying performance of some of the greatest works ever written. This is a great interpretation of what Handel wanted. A worthwhile buy because it never gets old. This is the one to get. It simply is great. Amen.