Review by miguelito54 August 13, 2009 (7 of 7 found this review helpful)
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This is the Water Music to buy when you have grown tired of these pieces! After all, a fresh new approach taking into account the latest research on Handel's preferred tunings (almost mean-tone, close to the intonation of the natural horns!), and with a real large orchestra as documented for the first performance. Handel treats the sections of the orchestra much like organ registers, mixing and juxtaposing colours boldly, taking the listener by surprise by adding a new sound at the right time. You have never before heard such a large oboe section or a recorder on top sounding like this. If you are accustomed to more stately versions you will be blown out of your seat by the bright tempos and wild sounds. This was a special project for the Concert Spirituel's 20th anniversary, the ensemble players' joy is felt throughout this live recording. This is the first time I really wished I had multi-channel setup! Interpretation is top-notch, sound is spacy as a consequence of the size of the orchestra in the concert hall. Splendid! I bought three recent Water Music recordings to celebrate the Handel year, but this one tops them all.
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