Search - George Frederick Handel, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien :: Händel: Concerti Grossi, Op. 3 & 6

Nickolaus Harnoncourt is always an interesting and provocative interpreter. One of the things that make him so fascinating is the fact that although he prefers "authentic" instruments in most Baroque music, the very concept of a conductor of his willfulness and eccentricity is completely foreign to the period in question. These performances, for example, sound like no others. They are very excitingly played, and full of fresh insight into phrasing, accentuation and tempo. And yet they never feel unnatural or distorted, and sometimes happens when Harnoncourt seems determined to make the music fit a predetermined theory whether it wants to or not. At budget price, this set is a true collector's item. David Hurwitz