Water Music & Music for the Royal Fireworks (Couplings)

George Frideric Handel

Recordings

Top Choice

Rafael Kubelik / Berlin Philharmonic

Top recommendation (modern instrument). May be too large/heavy for some, but very well done. Fireworks is vibrant, alive, powerful. Water Music is beautiful and gorgeous. Very natural and sensitive.

Also Worth Hearing

Trevor Pinnock / The English Concert

Early 1980s Period instruments.

Good choice for those hesitant with period performance. Full sound, not overly fast. Fireworks is exciting with great spirit. Water Music is stylish. A top choice.

Christopher Hogwood / Academy of Ancient Music

late 1970s Period instruments.

Hogwood and AAM were always great with Handel. Very stylish, very graceful. Maybe the favorite recording of just the Water Music (ethereal, beautiful). Fireworks is charming, maybe less powerful.