Handel - Fireworks Music & Water Music - Helios: CDH55375 - download

This recording recreates the scale of [the] original outdoor performance with 24 oboes, nine each of horns and trumpets, a dozen bassoons, and a mighty percussion of four pairs of timpani including... — BBC Music Magazine More…

Release Date: 30th Mar 2009
Catalogue No: CDH55375
Label: Helios
Length: 67 minutes

Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV351

Work length20:09

$5.50

$6.85

King's Consort
Robert King

I. Ouverture

Track length9:48

$1.50

$1.85

II. Bourrée

Track length1:41

$1.00

$1.25

III. La Paix

Track length3:34

$1.00

$1.25

IV. La Réjouissance

Track length2:19

$1.00

$1.25

V. Menuet I and II

Track length2:47

$1.00

$1.25

Handel: Water Music Suite No. 1 in F major, HWV348

Work length27:23

$9.50

$11.85

King's Consort
Robert King

I. Ouverture: Largo – Allegro

Track length3:19

$1.00

$1.25

II. Adagio e staccato

Track length2:06

$1.00

$1.25

III. [Allegro] – Andante – [Allegro]

Track length7:20

$1.50

$1.85

IV. [Menuet]

Track length2:55

$1.00

$1.25

V. Air

Track length2:31

$1.00

$1.25

VI. Menuet

Track length2:30

$1.00

$1.25

VII. Bourrée

Track length1:02

$1.00

$1.25

VIII. Hornpipe

Track length1:17

$1.00

$1.25

IX. [Andante]

Track length4:23

$1.00

$1.25

Handel: Water Music, HWV349 / 350

Work length19:47

$10.00

$12.50

King's Consort
Robert King

I. [Ouverture]

Track length2:00

$1.00

$1.25

II. Alla Hornpipe

Track length2:58

$1.00

$1.25

III. [Menuet]

Track length3:03

$1.00

$1.25

IV. Rigaudon

Track length2:42

$1.00

$1.25

V. Lentement

Track length2:03

$1.00

$1.25

VI. Bourrée

Track length0:52

$1.00

$1.25

VII. Menuet [I]

Track length1:00

$1.00

$1.25

VIII. [Menuet II]

Track length2:09

$1.00

$1.25

IX. [Country Dances I & II]

Track length1:29

$1.00

$1.25

X. [Trumpet Menuet]

Track length1:31

$1.00

$1.25

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About

On a cold January day in 1989, two dozen oboes, twelve bassoons, nine horns, nine trumpets and two giant double drums were gathered in a north London church to make what became of Hyperion’s most iconic recordings: The King’s Consort’s recreation of Handel’s Musick for the Royal Fireworks is a sonic triumph of jaw-dropping majesty, its authenticity only stopping short at burning down the venue.

Ten years later Robert King and The King’s Consort turned their attentions to the Water Music. Handel’s commission was for an enormous party on the river Thames given by George I. A large orchestra was present on the musicians' barge: a good-size string section (despite the King’s outspoken loathing of ‘violeens’) and a substantial wind presence. The sound of a large baroque wind band produces a magnificent sonority. Similarly, a colourful continuo force on the river seems probable. The rhythmic impetus of a pair of baroque guitars combined with the colours of two harpsichords lends the music a vital danceband-like rhythm section, much in keeping with the King’s colourful intentions for his evening’s entertainment!

Reviews

This recording recreates the scale of [the] original outdoor performance with 24 oboes, nine each of horns and trumpets, a dozen bassoons, and a mighty percussion of four pairs of timpani including a unique pair of extra-large ‘double drums’ and four side-drummers. The effect is shattering, the
clearest justification for ‘authenticity’ in performance

Classic CD

The King’s Consort makes Handel’s music dance … the whole thing is toe-tappingly infectious

A rewarding programme, imaginatively realised and played with panache. Strongly recommended

Handel - Fireworks Music & Water Music

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