Search - Antonio Vivialdi, Christoph Willibal Gluck, Johann Pachelbel :: Pachelbel's Canon·Handel·Vivaldi·Gluck / AAM, Hogwood

Wow! This cd is superb

srjpdx | 04/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am in whole-hearted agreement with the previous reviewer that this cd is a must have. With all of the over-orchestrated recordings of Pachelbel's Canon, Hogwood has let Pachelbel speak for himself by conducting the canon as originally scored by Pachelbel. As Hogwood states in the liner notes:

"The fate of almost all "pops" is to be more frequently heard in adaptations and arrangements than in the original style and colours intended by the composers. This disc is an attempt by the Academy of Ancient Music to redress the balance a little by presenting some of the most admired masterpieces of the 18th century in their original sonorities, performed in a style and on instrumentation appropriate to the period."And Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music have produced just that: an excellent recording of many baroque favorites. In my opinion, this is the standard by which all other recordings of these pieces should be judged. This cd certainly earned the five stars given by each of the reviewers."

Hogwood does it again

srjpdx | 06/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, Christopher Hogwood and The Academy of Ancient Music have succeeded in taking well-known and not-so-well-known works and showing an entirely new side of them. Remember, the great composers lived in a completely different age, so we can't know their true intentions, but I must say that Pachelbel, Vivaldi, Handel, and Gluck would be quite pleased with this album.

Here's a composer-by-composer breakdown on the disc:

Pachelbel: The CD is aptly named. I must agree with previous reviewers and say that this recording of the Canon is remarkable, keeping the piece's harmonic beauty while making it historically accurate.

Vivaldi: The B-minor concerto is tastefully played, though in some sections it is too staccatoed, in my opinion. The 2-trumpet concerto may sound "strange" with Baroque instruments, but the work grows on you after a while.

Gluck: Both instrumental pieces from "Orfeo ed Euridice" are very well performed, and they contrast perfectly. Nice excerpts from the operatic composer stuck between Baroque and Classical.

Handel: Ah, Mr. Handel. The Water Music selections and the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba Sinfonia are very famous (and addictive), yet the other works, from the not-so-well-known Berenice, make a good impression.

Overall, this disc gets 6 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to any and all "Classical" music enthusiasts, even those who despise period-instrument performance. Pachelbel may convert you to liking it.

Oh, and for those who want more, check out Hogwood's "The Original Sound Volume 2." That set's the same sort of compilation.

Thank you, Christopher!"