This recording of the Water Music of Handel (or, this being a German disc, Händel) falls into the bin of revisionist interpretations of familiar works, and perhaps also that of German ensembles who feel they have to combat the reputation for conservatism of their musical culture by being radical. For the most part, Concerto Köln makes its radical reading hold together. Tempos run from quick to extreme, but there's an energy and a rollicking quality that keep the music moving along, with some very unusual early horns in the complement of historical instruments making clear the degree to which these instruments were novelties in the England of 1717. In general, the sharp attacks and varied, slightly exaggerated articulation employed by the group makes the music's original outdoor performance easy to imagine. There is a lot of ornamentation, and some innovative treatments of notated ornaments, including a very unusual decision right at the beginning of the disc (Concerto Köln, despite mention of other...
- Wykonawca Kirkby Emma
- Data premiery 2007-11-05
- Nośnik CD