Smooth interpretation
K. Kozan | USA | 03/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have Elliot Gardiner's version of this lovely music on period instruments. I saw used at my CD exchange a newer rendition of it by Tafelmisic and J. Lamon on period instruments. Having read glaring reviews of it, and having listened live to Tafelmusic, I was set to buy it. But they also had Mackerras' version, and I decided to compare the two. Frankly, I liked the St. Luke version even better. Maybe the fact that I already own a period instrument version was a factor. But Mackerras has a warm and sweet tone, clean textures due to small orchesra, and a smooth, low key interpretation while coming alive in individual virtuosity of selected instruments. It is well integrated and completely satisfying throughout. This version gives the best of both worlds, small orchestra of the period movement without the abrasive violin tones. As such, it should make a great alternative to period instrument versions. Strongly recommended."
Not Just Handel's Water Music
Bruce Gray | Shenandoah Valley, VA, USA | 12/28/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm so used to seeing "Royal Fireworks" with a copy of Handel's "Water Music" that it was very refreshing to see a copy of one of Handel's more famous works with some pieces other than "Royal Fireworks".The "Suite in G Major" (HWV 350) is played almost to perfection by the Orchestra of St Lukes, an American institution, and under the baton of Sir Charles Mackerras they make you wonder why this is a seldom heard piece of Handel's musical repertoire.The "Suite in D Major" (HWV 349) is another seldom heard piece of Handel's music, and it is also played with a fervor that is usually heard only by English orchestras.The piece de resistance, "Water Music", is probably one of the better sounding versions of that relaxing classical "hit" that I have heard in a long time. Only on the second movement of "Water Music" do we hear any improvisation on Handel's themes. The addition of the section of the Suite in D major, played in its entirety elsewhere on this album, makes this piece worthy of any Handel fan. It also provides a link between the familiar and the unknown.Those who do not have a copy of "Water Music" in their classical collection will appreciate this CD, and those that do will have both of the rarely heard Suites to enjoy."
Great recording
David Schorr | Jerusalem, Israel | 06/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fantastic, crisp sound, and virtuosic playing, especially on the valveless horns. The best recording I've heard of Water Music."