“After half a century of musicological, organological and scientific investigation, the different guidelines we use for interpreting the Baroque repertoire have become very precise. If so, why are we still suspicious of the results of these investigations? It has been the intention of the hundred (!!!) musicians gathered here for the performance of the Water Music and Fireworks suites, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Le Concert Spirituel, to put into practice, without any concessions, what they know of these early techniques, each one according to his or her field of specialization.” (Hervé Niquet)
Water Music & Fireworks
First historical version
WATER MUSIC. SUITE I (HWV 348)
WATER MUSIC. SUITE II (HWV 349)
WATER MUSIC. SUITE III (HWV 350)
MUSIC FOR THE ROYAL FIREWORKS (HWV 351)
Le Concert Spirituel, orchestra
Hervé Niquet, conductor
Recorded at the Arsenal de Metz, France, in September 2002
Engineered and mastered by Manuel Mohino and produced by Dominique Daigremont
Five years after the initial release of Handel’s Water Music and Fireworks suites in the groundbreaking version from Le Concert Spirituel, we are now issuing the original surround master in a newly-designed digipak edition.
Listening to a period instrument orchestra (made up of over one hundred players) with historically-informed tuning and with the full energy and sonic details permitted by the SACD format is an experience that no lover of the best baroque music should miss...
