Search - Handel, Menuhim :: Water Music / Fireworks Music / Concerti Grossi

The Great Mr Handel in a very small box.

John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 10/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In terms of quantity, Bach and Handel's orchestral music occupies only a small part of their total works. There are many masterpieces amongst them, however. In the case of Handel, the concerti grossi and most of the organ concerti are works of high order, as are the famous "Fireworks Music" and "Water Music".



EMI have selected for their "Handel" box, all these works, together with several violin sonatas and a few other miscellaneous items. The recordings date from the years 1962-1970. This was the time when Yehudi Menuhin successfully extended his music making activities, collecting eminent instrumentalists around him while leading as violinist. These are not the recordings of Handel music he made later during his more problematic phase as conductor.



I don't recommend this box to those who insist on the authentic sound of period instruments. Menuhin and Co. clearly exploit the beauties of sound texture and the varieties of classical forms that Handel's scores provide, using instruments and playing styles that could equally well apply to the music of C19th composers. Menuhin's own special sound, especially in the violin sonatas, is rich and vibrant. George Malcolm provides the harpsichord work in the concerti grossi, playing a Goff harpsichord with its inimitable "nutty" tone. It is a young Simon Preston who features in the organ concerti, recorded in a variety of locations using organs some of which date back to Handel's time.



There are other Handel "boxes" on the market, providing more or less the same coverage of works in more recent recordings. Missing in this Menuhin box are the oboe concerti - regrettable because they comprise some of the last recordings made by oboist Leon Goossens.



If, like me, you prefer Handel's instrumental to his vocal music, you will find much to enjoy and great value in this slim box of 8 CDs.

"

From the Perspective of a Novice

Space Queen | Mustang, OK | 04/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I ordered this as a Gold Box deal. Knowing nothing about the conductor, Menuhim, or the Bath Festival Orchestra, I took a gamble on this. I'm very happy with it. The sound, tempo, etc. are great, and I've been exposed to some music I had never previously heard..



This was a great gift to myself, and I would be pleased to give it as a gift to any of my music loving friends."