Bach is ok, but don`t forget Händel

Posted by: Manni on 29 November 2009

Hi all,

in this forum discussions about J.S. Bach can be found regulary. Bach was undoubly one of the greatest composers ever, but I´m surprised that his famous contemporary G.F. Händel gets so little attention here.

In 2009 we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Händels death, so opinions about recommendable recordings of his works would be welcome.

Best wishes

Manfred
Posted on: 29 November 2009 by BigH47
No he's had his turn! Smile
Posted on: 29 November 2009 by MilesSmiles
This might be timely

Posted on: 29 November 2009 by Haim Ronen
Manfred,

Handel is more known for his grand scale works but these violin sonatas are exquisite and the playing of Egarr & Manze are top notch.

Posted on: 29 November 2009 by FlyMe
Not only to be listened to - but watched also.

I love this prodiction (I know some think it is far too "common")

Posted on: 29 November 2009 by stephenjohn
I like Handel too. Can anyone recommend a lively performance of either or both his concerto grosso sets? The couple of recordings that I have sound stogy.
atb
SJ
Posted on: 29 November 2009 by u5227470736789439
I have the Pinnock set on DG Archive, which is anything but stodgy.

My favourite, however, is the old set with the Adolf Busch Chamber Players recordided by American Columbia in 1947, and almost as immediately deleted ... in 1948 The company switched to LP production based on tape recordings.

The original 78s were legendary and almost never to be found. There are only four known cmplete sets of the 78s, of which one was owned by Busch's second wife. Sadly his first wife died days before the sessions, which certainly may have brought more than the usual gravitas to Busch's way with the music. The second Solo violin was Drucker, and the Cellist was Hermann Busch [Adolf's younder brother], while Horszowski played the continuo harpsichord and the tutti group was only 17 players.

This set may be had on Pearl [Pavillion] Recordings - a UK based company - in transfers maded from the four known sets, at the behest of Frau Busch.

They are not stodgy either, but do have some aspects which purist HIP people may find slightly out of place.

I love both sets for their particular strengths.

ATB from George
Posted on: 03 December 2009 by Manni
quote:
Originally posted by stephenjohn:
I like Handel too. Can anyone recommend a lively performance of either or both his concerto grosso sets? The couple of recordings that I have sound stogy.
atb
SJ


I`ve two versions with the Academy of St. Martin-in-the Fields, the older one ( Decca, vinyl ) is conducted by Sir Neville Marriner, the newer one ( Brilliant Classics, CD ) by Iona Brown. Both are very good, not stodgy at all. Some hum on the vinyl ( German pressing ).

Manfred
Posted on: 03 December 2009 by stephenjohn
thank you George and Manfred, next step for me is to spend some more money
atb
SJ
Posted on: 04 December 2009 by Huwge
My vote, Il Giardino Armonico - a great band

Posted on: 13 December 2009 by Jeremy Marchant
quote:
Originally posted by GFFJ:
I have the Pinnock set on DG Archive, which is anything but stodgy.

These are excellent recordings