Water Music & Music for the Royal Fireworks (Couplings)
George Frideric Handel
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.
Apple MusicTrevor 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.
Apple Music YouTube — Water Music highlights only.
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.
Apple Music — Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks within a Handel collection. YouTube — Water Music: Suite in F, and Music for the Royal Fireworks.