Search - Handel, Malgoire :: Water Music / Royal Fireworks Music

Malgoire, and Handel at their very best!!!!

scarlatti11 | Killeen, TX United States | 07/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't think that
I really want to
hear the '74 version
of the "Music for the
Royal Fireworks". I think
that this is the version to
own. Let's keep in mind that the
so called "wind band version" was
later arranged for an orchestra that
included strings. Also keep in mind
that Handel since the start of the
project wanted to included strings,
as a composer he knew how so out-of-balance
the wind band would sound. The "wind band"
that the King wanted was very different in
sound in contrast with the more modern winds
of today. I can see why Handel was not in
agreement with the King's wishes for the music.
As far as the "Water Music" goes, is a great work, and
wonderfully recorded..."

Keep Looking

quidditchqueens | Pasadena, CA. | 03/31/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD hoping to replace my vinyl recording of these works by Malgoire, recorded in 1974. That version featured Handel's original Royal Fireworks score for winds and brass only. This CD, recorded in 1986, utilizes the later version which includes strings. Compared to Malgoire's '74 effort, this version lacks power, passion and depth. It is uneven and the ensemble runs through it as though they had been force-fed a strong physic. The Water Music is pedestrian but serviceable; several pieces included on the '74 version are also missing from this one. If, like me, you are looking to replace your old '74 vinyl Malgoire "Water Music/Fireworks" with this one....keep looking."

Well, I LOVED It

Swashbuckler | USA | 01/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, so many reviewers seem to really have it in for this particular CD.

All I can say it, the first time I ever heard Handel's Water Music was on this CD, which I had borrowed from a local library. I loved the CD so much, I logged onto Amazon so I could buy a copy of my very own.

Now if this is the worst performance of Water Music ever recorded, the other recordings must be dynamite. I'm not being glib here. Maybe the other reviewers are right. But what can I say...? I enjoy listening to every second of this. Now if you are a musical maven who insists on purchasing only the absolutely finest classical records available on CD, then perhaps you would be justified on passing up this version and looking elsewhere. But if you're a more casual classical listener who's just starting his or her collection, or else if you're a budget-conscious classical fan looking to broaden your collection (like me), I say, this CD is well worth the small investment."