Search - George Frederick Handel, Max Pommer, New Bach Collegium Musicum Leipzig :: Handel: Doppelchörige Orchesterkonzerte

A Favorite Handel Concerti Grossi op3 Recording

Ray | 01/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this is a re-mastered album with an "A-D-D" SPARS code, the performance by the New Bach Collegium Musicum Leipzig under the conduction of Max Pommer easily makes it one of the most enjoyable recordings of Handel's opus 3 Concerti Grossi you are likely to find today. The playing is crisp and clean, with energetic tempo and delightful sonority. The sprightly nature of the playing is a true joy to behold, because some conductors, sensitive to the incredible musical detail to be found in Handel's Concerti Grossi, slow things down so that each note can be emphasized and examined in detail. Although this may be good for some purposes, it often makes even the brilliance of Handel's opus 3 and 6 concerti seem tedious. Listening to this recording makes us visit anew what it is we like about Handel, the brilliance of his composition combined with the sprightly, sometimes "bouncy," cadences that answer one to another.



The digital transfer here is very strong, and you might have trouble realizing this set was originally recorded with analogue equipment. There is no hiss, no distortion, and the overall range of the sound track is impressively large.



An easy recommendation for any Handel fan, but also a great place to start if you are new to Handel's orchestral pieces, Pommer's performance here is among my very favorites.

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