Splendid accounts of Handel masterpieces.
Mike Powers | Woolwich, ME USA | 07/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD contains splendid accounts of two of Georg Friderich Handel's greatest orchestral masterpieces - "Fireworks Music" (officially entitled "Music for the Royal Fireworks") and "Water Music." Handel composed the "Fireworks Music" in 1749 to celebrate the Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle, and the "Water Music" earlier, in 1717. Tradition has it that the reason Handel composed the "Water Music" was to make amends with his patron, the Elector of Hanover, when he became King George II of England.The Capella Istropolitana, conducted by Bohdan Warchal, give superbly polished performances of these great works! From opening to closing measure, tempi are just about perfect. Faster movements are fairly quick but not rushed, and have a good, dynamically "driven" feel to them; slower movements are played with the right touch of drama and poetry. Both pieces are performed with that wonderfully abrasive sound quality characteristic of the baroque style! Of the many versions of Handel's "Fireworks Music" and "Water Music" I've heard, this is certainly the best. Highly recommended!"
I give this 5 stars, but some listeners may want a larger or
Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 10/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoyed this bargain Naxos issue of Handel's WATER MUSIC, recorded in 1988 by Bohdan Warchal/Capella Istropolitana. Capella Istropolitana is a large chamber orchestra consisting of members of the Slovak Philharmonic. They have recorded Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos" and 12 or more Mozart Symphonies for Naxos, as well as other Baroque repertoire. Warchal's tempos are on the quick side but not rushed, and interpretation overall is very sensible: nothing radical to offend purists or Romantacist tastes in Baroque music. But the orchestra is small, and the recording, not harsh and crystal clear, is excellent. Warchal strives to provide a WATER MUSIC which will please varying tastes in Handel, and I think he is successful. Still, this is not my favorite recording of this music. I prefer Muti/Berlin Philharmonic (Seraphim, budget price) for the complete WATER MUSIC.
Warchal also conducts the MUSIC FOR THE ROYAL FIREWORKS, composed 30 years later than the WATER MUSIC, for the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, ending the Seven Years War. Here the tempos are also sensible: neither too fast nor too slow, and yet after hearing it, there is nothing terribly memorable to make one say "this is a unique performance which I'm going to seek out." But I am happy to listen to this. My favorite FIREWORKS music, however, is Raymond Leppard/English Chamber Orchestra (Philips, modern instruments) or Trevor Pinnock/English Concert (DG Archiv, period instruments). Either Leppard or Pinnock have a little something extra, to make them stand out more than Warchal.
With the Naxos you will get a good recording and sensible performances with everything in place, but with the other suggestions, you'll get a better musical experience. But I give the Naxos 5 stars because it is good value for the money, and a better recording than some of full price issues on major labels have been."
Track Listings (26) - Disc #1