Search - George Frederick Handel, Riccardo Muti, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Handel: Water Music Suites

THE modern orchestra recording to have of the complete Water

Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 09/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Riccardo Muti's recording of Handel's "Water Music" with the Berlin Philharmonic, recorded in 1985 in DDD sound, is THE recording to have of the complete "Water Music" played by a modern instrument orchestra. Muti's tempos are so sensible and musical. There is a harpsichord in the texture, and the Berlin Philharmonic seems a little leaner than in other recordings, taking into account no doubt that this is Baroque music. Muti doesn't shy away from slow tempos in some movements, such as the closing movement of Suite I, to make the points needed to be made. The Allegros really move and sizzle, and the orchestra never sounds scrawny or puny. Yet it is not the big orchestra treatment of Ormandy (CBS), Szell/London Symphony (Decca), Steinberg (Seraphim) for the 6 movement suite, or Van Beinum/Concertgebouw (Philips LP) for the complete "Water Music". Perhaps it would be safe to say that Muti/Berlin can satisfy the Baroque purist, as well as those loving a great modern orchestra sound.



This is my favorite recording of the complete "Water Music". I also like Van Beinum, and the Warchal/Capella Istroplitana (Naxos) is good, but a smaller ensemble and sound. For period instruments, I like Pinnock/English Concert (DG Archiv) and Hans Martin Linde (Virgin Classics). For such a small amount of cash, you can't go wrong with Muti's "Water Music.""

Wonderful & relaxing

June C. Smith | 10/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been wanting this music for my auto for a number of years now. I had it as a cassette tape which broke. I'm fulfilled once again as I listen while driving."