Alexander's Feast

Amazon.com
Alexander's Feast isn't really an oratorio. It's an "ode," one of those things where everyone sits around at the dinner table and talks about the Meaning of Life and Art. In other hands, this could be quite drearily pretentious. Handel, however, always the most entertaining of composers, has designed a marvelous sequence of arias and choruses that makes the most out of what the text has to offer. It's not as dramatic as his oratorios with a clear plot line, but the music's just as good, and so is this performance. --David Hurwitz

Alexander's Feast,Handel,Christophers,The Sixteen,Collins Classics,Classical,Classical Music

Average customer rating: 5 Stars Discounting Recording Problems Perfect for homeschooling. In Words & Music Don't blink

The Story Of Handel Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Fantasies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Fantasies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Story of Bach The Story of Beethoven The Story of Mozart The Story of Tchaikovsky The Story Of Haydn ASIN: B000001KCX Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. Water Music
2. Israel In Egupt: 'He Gave Them Hailstones'
3. Organ Concerto No. 16 In F Major: Larghetto affetuoso
4. Messiah: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
5. The Faithful Shepherd: Overture
6. Terpsichore: Overture
7. Julius Caesar: Aria Of Ptolemy
8. Sonata No. 1 In B Flat Major For Recorder And Harpsichord: Finale
9. Concerto Grosso In G Minor, Op. 6 No. 6: Fugue
10. Messiah: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted
11. Rodelinda: Overure
12. Ezio: Overture
13. Organ Concerto No. 13 In Major: Larghetto
14. Water Music: Hornpipe
15. Fantasia In C Major
16. Harmonious Blacksmith
17. Water Music: Andante
18. Julius Caesar: Finale
19. Organ Concerto No. 5 In F Major: Allegro
20. Alexander's Feast: Oveture
21. Serse: Largo
22. Isreal In Egypt: He Spake The Word
23. Larghetto e staccato
24. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
25. Israel In Egypt: The Horse And His Rider
26. Messiah: Why Do The Nations
27. Judas Maccabeus: Hallelujah Amen
28. Israel In Egypt: And The Children If Israel Sighed
29. Messiah: Hallelujah
30. Water Music: Ouverture
31. Water Music: III. Allegro
32. Water Music: IV. Allegro
33. Water Music: VII. Bourree Hornpipe
34. Water Music: X.
35. Water Music: XI
36. Water Music: XVI
37. Water Music: XVII
38. Water Music: XVIII
39. Water Music: XIX

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars Discounting Recording Problems.......2007-05-14

The content is terrific. This CD is one of a series of classical music masters. The only problem is that tracks 38 and later have a lot of distortion/static. I returned thinking it was a problem with the disc, but the replacement disc had the same problem. If not for that, I would have rated 5 stars.

Perfect for homeschooling........2007-01-29

The narratives are short enough to keep your children's attention, the music may be short in some instances but if you're playing it in the background for exposure- it doesn't matter. The price is great and the cheapest you'll find in addition to the 4 for 3 deal. We have all 18 of these cds and don't regret it!

In Words & Music.......2000-07-24

I have found this recording series to be a very helpful introductory teaching device for my young children. It gives a brief history of the composer and samples of the musical style.

Don't blink.......2000-05-03

The music on this CD is all wonderful, and it's a perfect CD toget - if you have the attention span of a soap bubble! Thisis a "sampler" with narrative and very few of thepieces listed are actually played in their entirety. Even pieces which are short to begin with are excerpted. We are given a whole minute of the Hallelujah Chorus and a rousing 45 seconds from the overture from "Ezio". This is a teaching CD which gives some fine examples to support the narration - but they are very short examples. A few bars here and there is all you get.

Average customer rating: Superb 'Program' Music Unforgettable performance ! The Pinnock-le of English Baroque A Rousing Performance

Handel - Royal Fireworks Music · Concerto Grosso "Alexander's Feast" · Overtures / The English Concert · Pinnock George Frideric Handel , Trevor Pinnock , The English Concert , Anthony Halstead , and Christian Rutherford Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Handel: Coronation Anthems, etc Handel: Water Music Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Le Quattro Stagioni Op 8 Nos 1-4) /Standage * English Concert * Pinnock Telemann: Wassermusik (Water Music); 3 Concertos /Musica Antiqua Koln * Goebel Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks (original version 1749) / Pinnock, The English Concert ASIN: B0000057F6 Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

1. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: 1. Overture (Adagio - Allegro - Lentement - Allegro)
2. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: 2. Bourree
3. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: 3. La Paix
4. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: 4. La Rejouissance
5. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: 5. Menuet I
6. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: 6. Menuet II
7. Concerto Grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast': 1. Allegro
8. Concerto Grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast': 2. Largo
9. Concerto Grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast': 3. Allegro
10. Concerto Grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast': 4. Andante Ma Non Presto
11. The Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba HWV 67
12. Belshazzar, HWV 61 - (Maestoso - Allegro)
13. Alceste, HWV 45 Act I: Grand' Entree - Maestoso
14. Saul, HWV 53: Act I Sinfonia: Allegro
15. Saul, HWV 53: Act I Sinfonia: Larghetto - Adagio
16. Saul, HWV 53: Act I Sinfonia: Allegro
17. Saul, HWV 53: Act I Sinfonia: Andante Larghetto
18. Samson, HWV 57: Act I - Sinfonia: Andante - Adagio
19. Samson, HWV 57: Act I - Sinfonia: Allegro
20. Samson, HWV 57: Act I - Sinfonia: Menuetto

Amazon.com

Trevor Pinnock recently recorded Handel's Fireworks Music in its original version for lots and lots of winds and percussion, but there's good reason to prefer this performance of Handel's alternate version, which includes string parts. Pinnock has always had a keen ear for Handelian pomp, and this version has just that extra bit of sparkle and brilliance. The coupled overtures make a welcome bonus. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Superb 'Program' Music.......2007-07-15

Before listening to this recording, I was drafting a review which began with the invariably less interesting aspects of music written for a specific purpose, such as, for example the 1812 Overture, most marches, and opening themes to Olympic contests. But then I listened to this piece and threw that very general hypothesis out the window, as Handel simply gets the job done in writing celebratory music which has endured. I also happened to think that this dumb premise would devalue virtually all of my favorite musical genres, that written for liturgical purposes. So here we are, a German musical celebration of an English event. It works!

Unforgettable performance !.......2004-10-29

The peak of this CD is the colossal recording of the Royal Fireworks . Majesty with fierceness ; frehness and virility ; passion and intellect ; sublime and expressive ; lyricism and honesty are some of the adjectives which deserves this artistic triumph of Mr. Trevor Pinnock.

The Pinnock-le of English Baroque.......2002-09-20

There's no doubt in my mind: Trevor Pinnock is the world's greatest interpreter of baroque music, period. Here, he is at his very finest, in the more enjoyable version of Royal Fireworks ( with strings, that is ), as well as in the concerto grosso and overtures on this album. In fact, not only is the instrumentation easier to listen to than the original wind-only, but Pinnock plays much more charmingly on this recording than on his wind-only version. The amazon.com reviewer has in bang-on when he says that this one has more sparkle. One can hear in the very first bars, as the shorter intervals are played more quickly on this recording, as opposed to the dragging articulation you get in the other recording. This is a must for Handel fans.

A Rousing Performance.......2002-01-26

Trevor Pinnock again demonstrates that he is the leading interpreter of Baroque music. This performance of "Music for the Royal Fireworks" is easily the most powerful and exciting available. I have heard other recordings which in comparison sound like music for the royal naptime. If you have not heard this version, you have not really heard the piece.

Average customer rating: Spirited performance of charming work Alexander's Feast - English version One of Handel's great works Handel's Great "Feast" in an Impeccable Rendition

Handel: Alexander's Feast G. F. Handel , The Sixteen , Harry Christophers , and Symphony Of Harmony And Invention Manufacturer: Coro ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Harp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Samson Handel - Joshua / Kirkby, Bowman, Oliver, Ainsley, George, The King's Consort Handel: The Occasional Oratorio /Gritton * Milne * Bowman * Ainsley * George * The King's Consort * King Handel: Belshazzar George Frideric Handel: Esther ASIN: B0007DBXJC Release Date: 2005-03-15

Tracks:

1. Alexander's Feast: Overture
2. Alexander's Feast: 'Twas at the Royal Feast
3. Alexander's Feast: Happy, Happy, Happy Pair
4. Alexander's Feast: Timotheus plac'd on high
5. Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Allegro
6. Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Larghetto
7. Harp Concerto Op.4, No.6 in B flat: Allegro moderato
8. Alexander's Feast: The song began from Jove
9. Alexander's Feast: The list'ning Crowd
10. Alexander's Feast: With ravish'd Ears
11. Alexander's Feast: The praise of Bacchus
12. Alexander's Feast: Bacchus, ever fair and young
13. Alexander's Feast: Sooth'd with the sound
14. Alexander's Feast: He chose a Mournful Muse
15. Alexander's Feast: He sung Darus Great and Good
16. Alexander's Feast: With downcast Looks
17. Alexander's Feast: Behold Darius Great and Good
18. Alexander's Feast: The Mighty Master smil'd to see
19. Alexander's Feast: Softly sweet
20. Alexander's Feast: War, he sung, is Toil and Trouble
21. Alexander's Feast: The Many rend the Skies
22. Alexander's Feast: The Prince, unable to conceal
23. Alexander's Feast: The Many rend the Skies

Tracks:

1. Alexander's Feast: Now strike the Golden Lyre
2. Alexander's Feast: Revenge, Revenge, Timotheus cries
3. Alexander's Feast: Give the Vengeance due
4. Alexander's Feast: The Princes applaud with a furious joy
5. Alexander's Feast: Thais led the way
6. Alexander's Feast: Thus long ago
7. Alexander's Feast: At last Divine Cecilia came
8. Alexander's Feast: Let old Timotheus yield the Prize
9. Alexander's Feast: Let old Timotheus yield the Prize
10. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Larghetto e staccato
11. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Allegro
12. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Adagio
13. Organ Concerto Op.4, No.1 in G minor: Andante
14. Alexander's Feast (conclusion): Your Voices tune

Album Description

"A remarkable recording." - REPERTOIRE

The nature of Alexander's Feast is perhaps better summed up by its other title, The Power of Music. It is a celebratory ode for St. Cecilia's Day, written by Dryden in 1697 for the traditional celebration of the patron saint of music and set in celebratory style by Handel in 1736. At its first performance that year, he incorporated two delightful concertos, one for harp and one for organ, and these are included on this recording. Winner of the Deutschen Schallplattenkritic prize.

Customer Reviews:

Spirited performance of charming work.......2007-03-10

This performance of Alexander's Feast is, in my opinion, exactly right for the work; beautiful, clear voices singing the solos with good diction, a lovely balance in the small chorus, and superb playing of appropriate instruments for the piece and for the period. The notes on the flyer are also excellent, presenting the background and intention of the work.

Alexander's Feast - English version.......2006-02-26

This recording is a very complete version of Alexander's Feast, following the composer's practice of inserting other pieces to create a performance of appropriate length. Excellent soloists, orchestra, and chorus. A high quality recording.

One of Handel's great works.......2005-11-19

I just attended a live performance of Alexander's Feast and I saw many people who probably never heard anything else than Messiah, suddenly finding out that there is more to Handel than Hallelujah chorus. This music is exciting and original, you may know several arias like "War he said is toil and trouble" or "Revenge!" but it is great as a complete work. It was written for St. Cecilia's Day celebration, then re-written several times, but it remains as a beautiful example of Handel's mastery in choral composition and writing showcase arias. The soloists are great, especially Ian Partridge, and the chorus is outstanding. This is a wonderful performance of one of Handel's great works.

Handel's Great "Feast" in an Impeccable Rendition.......2005-08-22

"Alexander's Feast," Handel's 1736 setting of Dryden's ode in honor of St. Cecilia's Day (patron saint of music) is a masterpiece and a delight, but its odd length - too long for a mixed program, too short for a full evening - gave Handel trouble and apparently still presents a problem: this is at present the only recording of this inspired work in the catalogue, though some good ones have come and gone. Fortunately, this reissue of the Sixteen's 1990 version is first-rate, in fact the best I ever recall hearing, with chorus, orchestra, soloists and conductor all in top form. Furthermore, music director Harry Christophers has wisely chosen to include the two concerti - one for harp, the other for organ - that Handel inserted in his original performances. Not only do they lengthen the piece to a satisfactory 115', they serve a satisfactory dramatic purpose by representing respectively the power of music in its pagan form - the bard Timotheus's lyre represented by the harp - and Christian - Cecilia's (apocryphal) organ. Both receive sparkling interpretations here.
If you enjoy such Handel works as "L'Allegro..." and "Acis and Galatea," you will certainly enjoy "Alexander's Feast," which finds the composer in peak form, responding with eagerness to the high quality of the English verse before him. And it's hard to imagine a better way to get to know it than this wonderful performance.

Average customer rating: All hail the Queen of Early Music! An uplifting experience Mysterious Beauty The divine voice of Emma Kirkby

Emma Kirkby sings Handel, Arne, Haydn & Mozart Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Kirkby, Emma | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Haydn, Franz Joseph | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Emma Kirkby Collection Emma Kirkby - Handel Opera Arias / Goodman, Brandenburg Consort Vivaldi - Gloria · Nulla in mundo pax sincera · Nisi Dominus · Cantatas / Kirkby · Bott · Nelson · Watkinson · Bowman · Preston · AAM · Hogwood A Purcell Songbook [Australia] The Glories of Handel Opera ~ Kirkby · Sutherland · Tebaldi · Berganza · Horne · Bowman · Pavarotti ASIN: B000009DG1 Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

1. Alessandro Severo: Ouverture HWV A13 - George Frideric Handel
2. Britannia: Welcome Mars - George Frideric Handel
3. Dione: Pretty Warblers - George Frideric Handel
4. Hornpipe - George Frideric Handel
5. Rosamond: Rise, Glory, rise - George Frideric Handel
6. Ariodante: Ingrato Polinesso...Neghittosi or voi che fate?, HWV 33:41b - George Frideric Handel
7. Alcina: Credete al mio dolore, HWV 34:40 - George Frideric Handel
8. Alcina: Tornami a vagheggiar, HWV 34:15 - George Frideric Handel
9. March In D, HWV 345 - George Frideric Handel
10. Alexander's Feast: War, He Sung, Is Toil And Trouble, HWV 75:11 - George Frideric Handel
11. L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato: Sweet Bird, HWV 55:11-12 - George Frideric Handel
12. Saul: Capricious Man, HWV 53:37 - George Frideric Handel
13. Comus: By The Rushy-Fringed Bank - George Frideric Handel
14. Comus: Brightest Lady - Thrice Upon Thy Finger's Tip - George Frideric Handel
15. The Tempest: Where The Bee Sucks There Lurk I - George Frideric Handel

Tracks:

1. The Creation: With Verdure Clad - Emma Kirkby
2. The Creation: On Mighty Pens - Emma Kirkby
3. Il re pastore, K208: Aer tranquillo e di sereni - Emma Kirkby
4. Il re pastore, K208: L'amero, saro costante - Emma Kirkby
5. Voi avete un cor fedele, K217 - Emma Kirkby
6. Ah, lo prvidi!, K272 - Emma Kirkby
7. Zaide, K344: Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben - Emma Kirkby
8. Zaide, K344: Trostlos schluchzet Philomele - Emma Kirkby
9. Nehmt meinen Dank, ihr holden Gonner!, K383 - Emma Kirkby
10. Ch'io mi scordi di te?, K505 - Emma Kirkby

Customer Reviews:

All hail the Queen of Early Music!.......2004-10-27

I had the pleasure recently of attending a recital with Miss Kirkby and Fretwork, here in Houston. I had heard of her, but wasn't all too familiar with her voice. Then, I decided a couple of days before the performance that I would buy one of her discs, for her to autograph. Honestly, I chose this two-disc recital because it had a nice picture of her, with space for her to autograph!

I am happy to say that I chose what is surely one of the most pleasant soprano recitals on the market. Her voice is essentially "white," as opposed to a full operatic voice with vibrato, etc. Nonetheless, what she does with this ample selection of music, esp. Mozart, is truly incredible.

Rise, Glory, Rise, as mentioned by at least one other reviewer, is nothing short of stunning. I like the way she sings, "Bid the drum, bid the drum," with much enthusiasm. The orchestration is spectacular baroque, with the expert conducting of Hogwood, who conducts on the entire recital. (I had the pleasure to hear him conduct Ariodante here in Houston a couple of seasons back, at HGO).

Speaking of Ariodante, there is an aria from that opera, as well as other Handel arias on the first disc. Now, those of us who cut our operatic teeth on Joan Sutherland or Beverly Sills may not appreciate Emma Kirkby at first. Being used to Joan's upward transpositions, interpolated high notes, and intricate cadenzas, it took a couple of listens to appreciate Kirby's rendition of Tornami a Vagheggar. We must remember that the Sutherland and Sills interpretations took lots of liberties that Handel didn't necessarily intend!

While I do enjoy the first disc, I relish the second disc from start to end. First, there are two arias from Haydn's Creation. The orchestration is sublime, and Emma calms us with her "cooing" in the second selection. Then comes Mozart, which fills the rest of the second disc. Kirby's L'amero, Saro Costante is a miracle. To give you an example, I have heard Leontyne Price's interpretation, and had previously dismissed hte aria as a bore. Kirkby, however, sounds so sweet and virginal, so much so that you can really picture a young lady singing about fidelity. The purity and exquisiteness of Kirby's singing will melt you.

Another joy is Voi Avete Un Cor Fedele. Kirkby isn't a coloratura fanatic like our beloved Sutherland,but when she does coloratura, it is enthralling. Here, she uses rapid coloratura, a la Cecilia Bartoli, to stunning effect.

It would have been easy to choose a lot of Mozart standard arias, like Matern aller Arten. However, Emma steers clear of those chestnuts on this recital, instead treating us to lesser-known works. Just when you start to settle in the second disc, she melts you again with arias in German, from one of Mozart's lesser-known operas. The first of these three arias moved me to tears. Words simply can't express the purity of her tone, and the tender care she lavishes on the text! Beguiling, to say the least.

Finally, there is Non Temerte, Amato Bene. I first heard this aria on a recently-issued two-disc recital of Teresa Berganza. While Berganza charms us with her warm tone and vibrato, Emma Kirkby's interpretation is no less valid.

Even if you don't particularly care for the current early-music revival, any lover of the human voice and operatic arias should buy this treasurable recital.

An uplifting experience.......2002-06-05

This is not a muscial review. That would be beyond my talents. No, this is a "spiritual" review and here is the reason. I had experienced a personal tragedy and turned often to music to revive my spirits and maintain my hope that things would right themselves in my life. Works such as Hayden's "Creation," Beethoven's "Fidelio," many of Bach's cantatas, Vivaldi's "Glorias," etc. Then I bought this CD. Immediately, I couldn't get enough of it. I felt uplifted everytime I listened, and it wasn't the same track each time that gave me that small feeling of joy that only music can provide. All is well again in my life and I continue to adore listening to this CD. For me, it was, and continues to be, magical.

Mysterious Beauty.......2001-11-19

Classical music is one of the greatest joys in life. Opera on the other hand, is often too melodramatic to stomach. But there is nothing more enchanting than an Aria. On this 2 CD set, Emma Kirkby sings in sweet exultation. Her voice expresses power and agility yet a limpid tranquility. Clarity is the greatest achievement of any musician. With the aid of precision accompaniment on period instruments, shameless perfection is delivered. She soothes the soul longing for beauty. Her marvelous Soprano is rendered on 25 tracks in this eclectic ensemble. If you are a champion of Handel or a devotee of Mozart, you should not hesitate to purchase this CD. Emma Kirkby will have you beaming with delight and pining for more. Surely it will be one of the brightest of your collection.

The divine voice of Emma Kirkby.......2000-06-07

An outstanding collection of Italian, German and English arias, beautifully sung by my favourite soprano voice Emma Kirkby - the diva of renaissance and baroque music. All the arias are enchanting, especially "Rise, Glory, rise" an aria from Arne's opera "Rosamond". The conducting and playing of Christopher Hogwood and his team of period-performance specialist The Academy of Ancient Music are as always superb.These are all arias to have one wanting to go back to the complete operas. Strongly recommended.

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan

Händel: Alexander's Feast Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Handel: Solomon ASIN: B000GYHZ7G Release Date: 2007-03-27

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-06-25

Alexander's Feast or The Power of Music is based on an ode by John Dryden to celebrate St. Cecelia, the patron of music, in 1697. Direct connections between the Saint and Dryden's text are few; the text makes reference to her only in its concluding pages. It was arranged for Handel into a sequence of recitatives, arias, and choruses cast in two parts, by a minor man of letters, Newburgh Hamilton.
The 'entertainment', as it was described, is set at the famous feast of Alexander held to celebrate the conquest of Persepolis. The musical allegory is enhanced by the inclusion at the feast of the legendary singer Timotheus, the comparison between him and Cecelia form the climax of the work. There is little dramatic development, but Dryden's picturesque imagery allowed Handel to produce a superbly varied score that includes such famous numbers as the two bass arias "Bacchus, ever fair" (with chorus) and "Revenge, Timotheus cries". The work calls for five soloists (SAATB), chorus, and a large orchestra employing recorder, oboes, bassoons, horns, trumpets, timpani and strings.
It was first performed in Covent Garden on Feb. 19, 1736; on that occasion it was supplemented by several concerti, including the Concerto Grosso in C (now known as the Alexander Feast concerto.
John Eliot Gardiner handles Handel with his usual expertise. The chorus is spirited and bouyant; the soloists are outstanding! Steven Varcoe is the perfect Basso to sing such arias as "Bacchus, ever fair and young"; I can even picture him as a jolly and rather rotund figure,and all because he has such a vibrant, but quite clear, tone quality. His British contemporary tenor, Nigel Robson has a wonderfully resonant and expressive quality and it 'drips' with emotion when demanded, such as in his aria "War, he sung is toil and troubles". If you have not heard him sing before this, I suggest you look into the disc : Jephtha, in which he plays the lead role of Jephtha (Gardiner's 1988 recording); a truly wonderful display of his voice as well as Varcoe, Chance and Dawson. I find that Ashley Stafford's voice, while very pretty, doesn't quite approach the emotional level that should be present in his role, I think he does a much more impressive job as an ensemble singer, but this does not detract from the entire disc. Donna Brown and Carolyn Watknson as soprano and contralto respectively are excellent throughout. The Chorus is SUPERB!!!!!!!As is the accompanying large orchestra. All very well done.

Average customer rating: First encounter Loved it! A truly great voice- don't listen to self-labled "experts" Amazing! brilliant voice, eclectic selection

Andreas Scholl - Ombra mai fu ~ Handel Arias from Giulio Cesare, Admeto, Radamisto, Rodelinda, Serse, Alcina George Frideric Handel , Andreas Scholl , and Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Scholl, Andreas | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Andreas Scholl - Kantate The Voice Arias for Senesino Andreas Scholl - Heroes / Norrington Pergolesi: Stabat Mater /Bonney * Scholl * Les Talens Lyriques * Rousset ASIN: B00000IL49 Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

1. Admeto, Re di Tessaglia: Ouverture
2. Admeto, Re di Tessaglia: Ballo di Larve
3. Admeto, Re di Tessaglia: Recitativo-accompagnato
4. Admeto, Re di Tessaglia: Aria
5. Serse: Sinfonia
6. Serse: Recitativo
7. Serse: Aria
8. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria
9. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Gigue
10. Giulio Cesare In Egitto: Aria
11. Radamisto: Passacaille
12. Radamisto: Gigue
13. Radamisto: Passepied
14. Radamisto: Rigaudon
15. Rodelinda, Regina de Langobardi: Sinfonia - Recitativo
16. Rodelinda, Regina de Langobardi: Aria
17. Rodelinda, Regina de Langobardi: Sinfonia
18. Rodelinda, Regina de Langobardi: Accompagnato
19. Rodelinda, Regina de Langobardi: Aria
20. Alcina: Aria
21. Alexander's Feast: Allegro
22. Alexander's Feast: Largo
23. Alexander's Feast: Allegro
24. Alexander's Feast: Andante non Presto

Amazon.com

No more making allowances for countertenors--now the best of the breed have voices as rich and as varied as those of any other range. Exhibit A: Gramophone cover boy Andreas Scholl. Unlike David Daniels and Brian Asawa, who made their splash on the opera stage, Scholl became famous as a concert and oratorio singer. He doesn't sing with Daniels's temperament and fire; along with a certain equanimity, he has a round, pleasing sound and a vibrato that's attractive but never intrusive. For his first operatic recording, Scholl chose his music wisely: rather than tempest arias or bursts of martial fury, he gives us long, beautifully shaped melody in the title aria and the famous "Verdi prati." He's at his delightful best in the "birdsong" and "hunting" arias from Giulio Cesare: the clean coloratura, detailed phrasing, and imaginative embellishment are reminiscent of Emma Kirkby in her prime. The instrumental soloists in those arias (violin and horn, respectively) are equally fine, as is the entire period-instrument orchestra. However, nearly half of the playing time on this disc is instrumental music--that seems rather much for a recording marketed as a showcase for a hot young singer. (The much-recorded concerto grosso "Alexander's Feast" in particular seems superfluous.) With that caveat in mind, this impressive disc won't disappoint. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

First encounter.......2005-10-18

I bought this as a gift for my mother who is 81. She always enjoys the Proms and saw Andreas(and heard) perform with John Williams, guitarist. She hardly ever goes out now so I just picked a CD as I couldn't find one with these two performing together. Will there be one coming as she would have liked that better? She thought his voice 'perfect' and was quite fascinated.

Loved it!.......2005-03-18

I really love this recording. I was actually looking for a good contertenor album so I bought this one. I am not disappointed. Scholl's voice is beautiful, soothing and really moving.
I also bought David Daniels 'Handel Operatic arias'at the same time.
I'm no opera expert but I must say there are striking differences in their renditions of even the same arias- in all cases I have preferred Scholl's delivery (especially Ombra mai fu) His voice is very effortless and sublime. I agree with the reviews above that Daniels vocals can be more dramatic and powerful. Also on Scholl's CD all the tracks are serene with just one aria that can give that amazing adrenaline rush(Confusa Si Miri)!! Not the case with Daniels CD.
So together this twosome makes a great CD combination but if I had to choose one it would be this one of Scholl's.
My only problem with this CD is that nearly half of the tracks are instrumental. Still worth all the praise!

A truly great voice- don't listen to self-labled "experts".......2004-02-27

After reading though the reviews of a few of the Andreas Scholl recital discs, I have come to the conclusion that most of the negative reviews originate from people who think they are "the" experts on Baroque music. They label his voice too "innocent", "precious", "bland", and "cold." They praise David Daniels, who in my opinion has a muddled middle register, and messy coloratura. Yes, maybe Daniels can be more dramatic and interpretive- I have seen/heard him in the title role of Giulio Cesare, at Houston Grand Opera. But, then again, I have also seen/heard Susan Graham as Ariodante, which was 100 times a more powerful, dramatic performance.

I differ from many of my American counterparts in that I think the quality and beauty of the voice can be enough in and of itself. Perhaps this is why, for example, I adore Joan Sutherland. She may have had the acting ability of an armchair, but she redeemed herself with truly glorious singing, leaving a legacy few sopranos today can even hope to match.

Having said all that (thanks for hearing me out!), I would encourage anyone, expert or novice, to buy this CD. Perhaps there a few more instrumental tracks that one would want, but overall, Harmonia Mundi had a great idea in mind. If you want to hear nothing but Scholl, you can buy The Voice, which I also highly recommend.

One of my personal favorites is his interpretation of Va, Tacito, from Giulio Cesare. Just listen to the variations he includes in the last repeat of the da capo aria. To say that I was enraptured would be an understatement. Another great selection is Fronde Tenere/Ombra Mai Fu. Instead of trying to "ham it up", he just sings it with beauty and clarity, with an amazing upper register. These two are just a few of what are a series of highlights.

Aside from the beauty of his singing, another great thing about Scholl is how comfortable he is in the lower register. He flirts with it, on occasion, and the first time you hear it, your jaw will drop. He defies the stereotype of the womanish, effeminate countertenor!

Bravissimo, Scholl. You're the only countertenor for me.

Amazing!.......2003-06-20

This was the first of many CDs that I've bought with Andreas Scholl! This CD introduced me to the beauty of his voice, and the great repertoire of this particular recording convinced me of the sheer quality and artistry of this young german singer!

Andreas Scholl is one of the leading countertenors in the world and I believe that this is the perfect CD to get to know him! I'm absolutely sure that you'll end up wanting to buy many more of his recordings and that you'll never be dissapointed by any of them!

UPDATE:
I've have been enjoying this CD for almost 5 years already! So much so that recently (May 2004), when I decided to buy a new home sound system, I carried it along with me in order to be able to compare the options that I had!

brilliant voice, eclectic selection.......2002-05-31

Andreas Scholl's angelic voice once again shines in this album with arias from seven different Handel operas written at the peak of the composers productive career. Only Julius Cesar is one of the more frequently performed ones in this selection, so we gain insight into rarely performed treasures from Alexander's Feast, Radamisto, Serse and others. The selection is beautiful and the Academy of Ancient music Berlin does a wonderful job in orchestrating the pieces. This album is another gem that no Scholl and baroque music afficionado should miss out on

Average customer rating: Wonderful pick-me-up Great holiday music!

Handel for the Holidays Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Harp | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Mozart for a Merry Christmas Bach for Barbecue: Grillin' and Chillin' with Johann Sebastian Mozart for the Morning Commute: A Lively Bit of Traveling Music Beethoven For Your Beloved Rachmaninoff for a Rainy Day ASIN: B0000041FE Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

1. Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba (Solomon)
2. Water Music Suite No. 1 In F: Allegro
3. Water Music Suite No. 1 In F: Air
4. Water Music Suite No. 1 In F: Bourree
5. Water Music Suite No. 1 In F: Hornpipe
6. Water Music Suite No. 2 In D: Alla hornpipe
7. Jeptha: Sinfonia
8. Concerto Grosso No. 1 In G: Allegro
9. Music For The Royal Fireworks: Overture
10. Music For The Royal Fireworks: Bourree
11. Music For The Royal Fireworks: La paix
12. Music For The Royal Fireworks: La rejouissance
13. Oboe Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat: Adagio
14. Oboe Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat: Allegro
15. Oboe Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat: Largo
16. Oboe Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat: Vivace
17. Concerto Grosso No. 6 In G Minor: Musette (Larghetto)
18. Hornpipe In D
19. Alcina Overture: Menuet
20. Concerto Grosso In C 'Alexander's Feast'
21. Harp Concerto In B-flat: Andante allegro
22. Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat: Allegro ma non troppo
23. Pastoral Symphony (Messiah)
24. Concerto No. 2 In F: A tempo giusto
25. 'Hallelujah' Chorus (Messiah)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful pick-me-up.......2006-07-17

This CD has lively, energizing, festive music. It can get you into a spirit of celebrating each day of your life, uplifting you, waking you up in the morning or picking you up in the afternoons.

Great holiday music!.......2002-12-19

I have all of the Philips classical CD's and enjoy them often. This Handel Holiday music CD is really a festive combination of classical pieces.

I highly recommend this CD to classical fans and also to friends who don't particularly enjoy/understand classical music as this CD is truly a holiday feast!

Happy Holiday's to all!

Average customer rating: The best of quiet baroque Very Lovely, Very Relaxing Largo:Two Thumbs, Toes, and Heads up

Largo Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Carl Philipp Emman. Bach | Bach, Carl Philipp Emman. | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Corelli | Corelli, Arcangelo | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piccolo | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Viola | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Concertos | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Famous Adagios Handel's Largos Baroque Adagios Voice of the Violin The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever! ASIN: B000001410 Release Date: 1995-05-01

Tracks:

1. Largo - Jozef Cejka
2. Largo - Ladislav Kyselak
3. Largo - Daniela Ruso
4. Largo - Hae-won Chang
5. Largo, E Piano - Capella Istropolitana
6. Largo E Mesto - Jozsef Kiss
7. Largo - Daniela Ruso
8. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Takako Nishizaki
9. Largo (E Cantabile) - Budapest Strings
10. Largo - Capella Istropolitana
11. Largo - Capella Istropolitana
12. Largo - Daniela Ruso
13. Largo - Jiri Stivin
14. Largo - Capella Istropolitana
15. Largo - Dagoberto Linhares
16. Sarabande (Largo) - Capella Istropolitana
17. Largo - Jindrich Pazdera
18. Largo - Capella Istropolitana
19. Largo - Gabriela Krckova
20. Winter (Largo) - Takako Nishizaki

Customer Reviews:

The best of quiet baroque.......2001-09-18

"Hey, where are Pachebel's Cannon and Bach's Air?"

They're not "Largo" movements and when Naxos says "Largo" they mean it, delivering 20 "Largo" movements (75 minutes) from the Baroque era. And while those two famous works are missing there is more than enough familiar and delightful music compiled here to make for a wonderful sampler. Casual classical fans will immediately recognize Handel's Largo from "Serse" as well as the movements from Vivaldi's Guitar Concerto, Flautino Concerto, and "Winter" from the Four Seasons. Other delights include movements from Bach's Piano Concerto in F Minor (played on a piano, rather than the harpsicord you would expect, to great effect) and Double Concerto in D Minor.

The performances and quality of the recordings from which these selections have been compiled are all first rate. If you enjoy relaxing to baroque then this disc is for you.

Very Lovely, Very Relaxing.......1999-05-22

I'm not sophisticated when it comes to classical music, but I really like this CD. With just the slow bits there isn't anything to intrude harshly on your conciousness, but there is plenty of complexity and soulfull beauty to enjoy when you want to pay attention.

Largo:Two Thumbs, Toes, and Heads up.......1998-11-24

Well, largo is a well rounded tune. I especialy like when they change key signatures. How do I know they do this: We're playing ths in band. It sounds good, a good sond to crank up on a rany day. Just don't turn tha base up too much.

Average customer rating: Die Fledermaus/Gypsy Baron CD

Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights) Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights) Offenbach: La Belle Hélène; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights) ASIN: B00009KHY5 Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Overture - Alexander Young
2. It's The Talk Of The Town...I'll Be At The Ball Tonight - Alexander Young
3. Then I Must Leave...Ah, Woe Is Me - Alexander Young
4. Drain A Draught Of Wine With Me - Alexander Young
5. What A Feast - Alexander Young
6. I Always Feel Beholden (Chacun A Son Gout!) - Alexander Young
7. My Dear Marquis (Laughing Song) - Alexander Young
8. What A Tonic, What A Beauty (Watch Duet) - Alexander Young
9. Brother Mine, Brother Mine And Sister Mine - Alexander Young
10. Romantic And Secluded - Alexander Young
11. The Clink Of Champagne Glasses - Alexander Young

Tracks:

1. Overture - Derek Hammond-Stroud
2. Since I Was Left An Orhan Lad - Derek Hammond-Stroud
3. A Suitor For The Bride...A Suitor For My Hand - Derek Hammond-Stroud
4. There's No One In The World (Gypsy Song) - Derek Hammond-Stroud
5. Here In This Dear Land - Derek Hammond-Stroud
6. The Trace Of Dawn - Derek Hammond-Stroud
7. I Dreamed I Wondered By The River - Derek Hammond-Stroud
8. Who Made Us One? - Derek Hammond-Stroud
9. Come And Join The Gay Hussars! - Derek Hammond-Stroud
10. For Gay Times At Night - Derek Hammond-Stroud
11. We Raise Our Voice And Rejoice - Derek Hammond-Stroud
12. Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214 - Johann Strauss II

Customer Reviews:

Die Fledermaus/Gypsy Baron CD.......2007-02-08

Die Fledermaus has long been a favourite of mine and this CD coupled with highlights from the Gypsy Baron makes it outstanding. I'm thoroughly enjoying listening to it. Judy

Average customer rating: Delightful music from the very great G. F. Handel played by the very fine English Concert You cannot go wrong with Pinnock Beautifully done A fine collection of English Concert Handel Pinnock Excels in Handel!

Handel: Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Pinnock, Trevor | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Bach: Concertos Vivaldi Concertos Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert Haydn: The "Sturm und Drang" Symphonies Johann Sebastian Bach: 6 Brandenburg Concertos / 4 Orchestral Suites - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock ASIN: B00002DEGY Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

1. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Ouverture ( Largo - Allegro)
2. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Adagio e staccato
3. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: (Allegro) - Andante - (Allegro da capo)
4. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: (Menuet)
5. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Air
6. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Menuet
7. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Bourree
8. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: Hornpipe
9. Water Music: Suite In F Major, HWV 348: (Andante)
10. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Ouverture)
11. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Alla Hornpipe
12. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Menuet)
13. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Rigaudon
14. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Lentement
15. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Bourree
16. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Menuet
17. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Andante)
18. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: (Country Dance I - II)
19. Water Music: Suite In D - G Major, HWV 349 - 350: Menuet

Tracks:

1. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Overture (Adagio - Allegro - Lentement - Allegro)
2. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Bourree
3. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: La paix
4. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: La rejouissance
5. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Menuet I
6. Music For The Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Menuet II
7. Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: (Pomposo)
8. Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Allegro
9. Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Al tempo giusto
10. Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Largo
11. Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: Allegro ma non troppo
12. Concerto a due cori No. 2 In F Major, HWV 333: A tempo ordinario
13. Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Ouverture
14. Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Allegro
15. Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Allegro ma non troppo
16. Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Adagio
17. Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Adante larghetto
18. Concerto a due cori No. 3 In F Major, HWV 334: Allegro

Tracks:

1. 6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, HWV 312: Allegro
2. 6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, HWV 312: Largo
3. 6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, HWV 312: Allegro
4. Concerti grossi op. 3:Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: Vivace - Grave
5. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: Largo
6. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: Allegro
7. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: (Menuett)
8. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major, HWV 313: (Gavotte)
9. 6 Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, HWV 314: Largo e staccato - Allegro
10. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, HWV 314: Adagio
11. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, HWV 314: Allegro
12. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Andante - Allegro
13. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Andante
14. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Allegro
15. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 4 In F Major, HWV 315: Minuetto. Allegro
16. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: (Without tempo indication)
17. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Allegro
18. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Adagio
19. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Allegro ma non troppo
20. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 5 In D Minor, HWV 316: Allegro
21. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 6 D Major, HWV 317: Vivace
22. Concerti grossi op. 3: Concerto No. 6 D Major, HWV 317: Allegro

Tracks:

1. Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Allegro
2. Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Largo
3. Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Allegro
4. Concerto grosso In C Major 'Alexander's Feast', HWV 318: Andante ma non troppo
5. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: A Tempo giusto
6. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Allegro
7. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Adagio
8. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Allegro
9. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.1 In G Major, HWV 319: Allegro
10. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Andante larghetto
11. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Allegro
12. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Largo
13. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.2 In F Major, HWV 320: Allegro, ma non troppo
14. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Larghetto
15. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Andante
16. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Allegro
17. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Polonaise. Andante
18. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.3 In E Minor, HWV 321: Allegro, ma non troppo
19. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Larghetto affetuoso
20. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Allegro
21. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Largo e piano
22. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No.4 In A Minor, HWV 322: Allegro

Tracks:

1. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Larghetto e staccato
2. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Allegro
3. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Presto
4. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Largo
5. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Allegro
6. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 5 In D Major, HWV 323: Menuet. Un poco larghetto
7. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Largo affettuoso
8. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: A tempo giusto
9. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Musette. Larghetto
10. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Allegro
11. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 6 In G Minor, HWV 324: Allegro
12. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Largo
13. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Allegro
14. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Largo
15. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Andante
16. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No 7 In B Flat Major, HWV 325: Hornpipe
17. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Allemande
18. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Grave
19. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Andante allegro
20. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Adagio
21. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Siciliana. Andante
22. 12 Concerti Grossi Op. 6: Concerto No. 8 In C Minor, HWV 326: Allegro

Tracks:

1. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Largo
2. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Allegro
3. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Larghetto
4. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Allegro
5. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Menuet
6. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 9 In F Major, HWV 327: Gigue. Allegro
7. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Ouverture - Allegro
8. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Air. Lentement
9. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Allegro
10. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Allegro
11. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 10 In D Minor, HWV 328: Allegro moderato
12. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 11 In A Major, HWV 329: Andante larghetto e staccato
13. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Allegro
14. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Largo e staccato
15. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 11 In A Major, HWV 329: Andante
16. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 11 In A Major, HWV 329: Allegro
17. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Largo
18. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Allegro
19. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Aria. Larghetto e piano
20. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Largo
21. 12 Concerti grossi op.6: Concerto No. 12 In B Minor, HWV 330: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Delightful music from the very great G. F. Handel played by the very fine English Concert.......2006-03-15

This is a terrific set of disks. The recordings make great listening for those who just want the pleasure of some fine 18th century music, but they also are valuable for more sophisticated listeners who love Handel's music and want to enjoy his orchestral works.

Most modern concertgoers do not realize the complications that go into assembling a performance version of these works. They were not created whole and new with the intention of concert performance in our present method of experiencing instrumental concerts. The Water Music was for a special occasion in July 1717 for George I and his noble friends as the traveled by barge from Whitehall to Chelsea and back. The music was such a hit it was performed three times during the trip. However, it wasn't until years later that Handel began performing it for the public. The Royal Fireworks music was created for celebrating the signing of a Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle of 1748 and was performed in 1749. The king wanted only martial instruments, but Handel insisted on strings as well. And it seems that the authorized publication may have had other alterations from the public performance for the celebration or the public rehearsals in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.

The six Concerti Grossi Opus 3 were published at a time of financial need that Handel experienced as his opera enterprises collapsed in 1734. They are pieces the composer had used as introductions or entr'actes for his operas, anthems, or oratorios. Some movements do appear to be freshly composed, others are clear borrowings from his own works, and others owe a clear debt to Corelli whose Opus 6 Concerti Grossi were so successful and immensely influential. These concerti do have oboes.

The twelve Opus 6 Concerti are for strings only and were originally used as music before and between the movements of his various oratorios. Scholars have studied the issue and believe they know which music is matched with which oratorio, but it hardly matters to the general listener. That Handel also used earlier themes is also interesting and a wonderful topic for debate (did the composer intend his public to recognize his reuse of popular themes or not), but, again, it is a topic of only passing interest to present audiences.

The "two-choir" concerti are quite interesting. They each have three groups, one of strings, and the two wind choirs. Music is re-used from his oratorios including "Messiah", "Esther", "Judas Macabeus", and others. Modern audiences will certainly recognize "Lift up ye gates", but the others will require especially aware lovers of Handel's music.

These performances are well done and are a constant delight. Some recordings might be more mannered or extreme. However, I delight in this kind of joyful, intelligent, and clean playing.

Recommended for all to enjoy.

You cannot go wrong with Pinnock.......2005-03-17

These are very nice recordings of Handel's Orchestral Works. If you compare this set with some other sets of the works, you may think this set is missing some things. However, the only difference is that some of the other sets include organ concertos and such, which are not strictly orchestral works, so really, this set is complete. All of the performances are very nice, typical of Pinnock and the English Concert, and on period instruments, of course. Sound quality is very good. Highly recommended.

Beautifully done.......2004-02-21

I bought the third Opus 6 individual disc on a whim, many years ago and soon discovered that it and its two siblings are quite impossible to find. This set at last brings together an excellent volume from the English Concert - all of Handel's orchestral works. Some of them, such as the Op.6, were very hastily written and cast aside; nevertheless they are beautiful. All of it is a refreshing break from the Italian style opera that Handel is known for. The more famous Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks are excellent versions that are worth having too.

The performances here are beautifully made on period instruments and possess a combination of fluidity, soul and precision making them very memorable. They may date from the earliest days of all-digital recording but the sound is beyond reproach... The performances are consistent from disc to disc making this a true Volume and not a hurriedly-cut compilation from different eras and orchestras as typically found at lower prices. For anyone that is serious about Handel, this set is excellent value.

It has all the perfect balance of English Concert performance and Deutsche Gramophon tonmeister touch. I wish all classical records could be this good.

A fine collection of English Concert Handel.......2000-03-08

This six disc set encompassing most of Handel's concertos (including the big Op. 3 and Op. 6 sets) consists of recordings made from 1981 to 1984. It's well worth having for the excellent Op. 6 set alone, which was previously available only in the form of three separately-packaged, full-priced CDs. Pinnock and the English Concert play with smoothness and finesse, and the recordings collected here range from very good to excellent. The Royal Fireworks Music, like the Op. 6 set, is on the excellent side; the Op. 3 perhaps less sparkling but never dull or below par. The Water Music was (understandably) a best-seller in its original release. At this kind of price, and with this kind of playing, the English Concert set should be a cornerstone of any Handel-lover's CD collection.

Pinnock Excels in Handel!.......2000-01-13

Oddly, this is currently available (at least in the UK) in two packages and at different prices. Pinnock's style might not be to everyone's taste (you can't please allthe people all the time ...etc), but it is mine. These are generally superb performances of sublime music. I would rank them as my "period" recordings of choice, along with Marriner's on Decca for "non-period". Enjoy!

Track Listings:

1. American Song Recital
2. Apotheosis of the Oboe
3. Beethoven: Sextet in E; Quintet in A; Duett mit zwei obligaten Augengläsern
4. Beethoven: Sonata Nos.30-32
5. Beethoven: Sonaten opp. 101 & 106
6. Beltane Fire
7. Benjamin Britten: The Folk Songs for Voice and Piano (Complete)
8. Benjamin Britten: The Turn of the Screw / Stuart Bedford, Aldeburgh Festival Ensemble
9. Britten: Complete Orchestral Song Cycles
10. Britten: Holy Sonnets (song cycle) Op. 35

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Bangles - Greatest Hits (Gold) [Import]

Handel: The Messiah (Highlights)

Come Into The Blues

Music: Bath Water Flowers

Fission, Fusion and Things Made of Concrete

I Know

Dreamtime Lullabies

Ghedini: Cello Concertos

Faded Love 1947-1973 [Box set]

Chaco [Import]

Intermenstral [Box set] [Import]

Driving Rock [Import]

Fox Box Die Deutsche, Vol. 5 [Import]

Sibelius: The Symphonies [Hybrid SACD]

The Very Best of Matt Monro