Here's another fine performance of the Fireworks Music in its original scoring for 9 horns, 9 trumpets, 21 oboes, 21 bassoons, 3 snare drums, and 3 timpani. It makes a grand noise, but just as interesting is the music th... more »at conductor Trevor Pinnock has assembled from other Handel works--something the composer himself did--to provide a rich and enjoyable selection of orchestral music that we'd ordinarily never hear in this form. Pinnock has had a tendency in the past to sound somewhat stiff in Handel's music, but here he lets his hair down and everyone concerned seems to be having a very good time. So will you. --David Hurwitz« less
Here's another fine performance of the Fireworks Music in its original scoring for 9 horns, 9 trumpets, 21 oboes, 21 bassoons, 3 snare drums, and 3 timpani. It makes a grand noise, but just as interesting is the music that conductor Trevor Pinnock has assembled from other Handel works--something the composer himself did--to provide a rich and enjoyable selection of orchestral music that we'd ordinarily never hear in this form. Pinnock has had a tendency in the past to sound somewhat stiff in Handel's music, but here he lets his hair down and everyone concerned seems to be having a very good time. So will you. --David Hurwitz
"It is unlikely that the Royal Fireworks Music was ever performed like this (there is evidence that Handel managed to sneak in violins, despite the King's declared preference for "martial instruments" only (a bit odd for a piece celebrating a peace treaty)). However, the results are truly exhilarating. It has been attempted only a few times before - Mackerras, Fennell/Eastman Wind Ensemble and Paillard - the last-named used every top wind player in Paris led by the king of trumpeters, Maurice André. In my opinion, Paillard is marginally better than this (more drama, more light and shade in the reading), but to the best of my knowledge it is no longer available. Moreover, Pinnock uses original instruments, with their unique sound. All in all, a fabulous sound and well worth acquiring."
A great Handel disc
D. Jack Elliot | Omaha, Nebraska | 03/09/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Masterful, bracing performances of some of Handel's best orchestral music. Everyone knows the Fireworks Music and this is a very good account (be aware, however, that this is the original scoring with no strings, just winds and percussion; I imagine the sound won't suit you if you don't like things too earthy); you will also really like the Passacaille, Gigue and Menuet, and the Occassional Suite. I'm amazed at the skill of these period-instrument players."
Igniting music!
D. Jack Elliot | 05/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've only heard the "Music for the Royal Fireworks" in standard version, sauced in strings, prepare for an experience! In this version, for the first time the title is explained. The grand, bracing interpretation of Pinnock made me want to go out and dynamite something heavy! Not to mention the suites and concerts, assembled by Pinnock from various works by Handel - apparently Handel, when asked to write something for an occasion, sometimes assembled and rearranged "old" pieces from his "musical bank-vault". Pinnock does it very convincingly - beautiful music. Note the first and third mvts. of the first concerto, where Handel/Pinnock has reused some of the Water Music mvts. - or is it the other way around?"
Fabulous Recording!
Matthew Cline | Nashville, TN USA | 11/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Exceptional performance and a nice loud, clear recording. This is my favorite recording of the fireworks. If you like exciting music, this is the CD for you."