Search - Handel, Bruggen, Haynes :: Complete Wind Sonatas

The Baroque Spirit

Sean V Baker | Milford, NH United States | 11/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frans Brüggen clearly demonstrates in these recordings that he is, indeed, the recorder master! The ensemble revels in the baroque spirit creating one of the most obvious examples of baroque small ensemble playing and interpretation. With a laid-back and relaxed feel, the ensemble rides the ebbing and flowing tempo together seemingly without effort, as if the rhythmic wandering was self evident in Handel's composition.The recording is very good for the technology of it's time. Just the right amount of room ambiance accompanies the clear and detailed sounds of the delicate instruments.The work of oboist Bruce Haynes is on par and in the same spirit as Brüggen's recorder playing, making this a magical compilation of recordings!Comparing these recordings with the likes of Michala Petri and Keith Jarrett's recording of the same compositions shows a night a day difference in interpretation.The recordings in this collection are simply magical."

A Magnicent, Magical Handel Sonata Fest

rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 02/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Piling on to Mr. Baker's excellent review, I fully concur and recommend this two-CD collection of Handel's complete wind sonatas.



Fully agreeing that Haynes and Bruggen's playing of period oboe, transverse flute/recorder respectively make this a magical listening experience, this are truly two talented baroque performers and performances well supported by excellent bassoon by Lange and violincello by Bylsma and harpsichord/organ by Asperen.



The liner notes summarizes this so well: "from this confusing array (speaking here of corruption of scores from piracy, etc.) is still a wonderful collection of now-stately, now-lively and always melodious music.""