Handel Water Music - best CD? - Performance Recording


Am looking to purchase a CD or set containing the aforementioned works of Handel. Although I've been searching quite extensively I have found little information or reviews… and there are a VAST number of recordings to choose from.

At current, I am gravitating towards newer recordings, the assumption being that these will offer better sound (recording quality). I know that this is far from conclusive and lacks the all-important consideration of performance/acoustic qualities (of venue).

Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Mike
awdeeofyle

Showing 3 responses by sugarbrie

Those are both great picks if you like the historical instrument sound. If you want the Water Music played on modern instruments get Academy of St. Martin-in-the-fields; Neville Marriner on Argo label 414-596-2


Also includes the Royal Fireworks Music.

Many violins played in modern orchestras date back to the days of Handel and Mozart; the difference is the historic orchestras use the old gut strings, so there is a lighter sound. Also they are not tuned the same. I cannot remember which way it goes, but what is say a normal B note in Handel's time is now either a B flat or B sharp today. So when you listen to a historic recording, you not only hear the gut strings, you are also listening to the music a half a note different than a modern performance. Since historic performances sound higher pitched to me, the modern tuning is probably a half note lower.


I usually prefer modern (not always). I always prefer modern instruments at the Dentist.

There are some very nice string instruments made today. They just have not had 300 years to gather a following.