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Reviewer: George
Chien
Excerpt:
The picture brightens dramatically with Nicholas McGegan's Water Music,
played by the San Francisco-based Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, an
original-instruments ensemble that he has conducted since 1985. The
orchestra's roster, included with the notes, numbers 10 violins, two each of
violas, cellos, oboes, horns, and trumpets, with three horns, with single
players on double bass, recorder, flute, and timpani. McGegan shares the
continuo keyboard duties with Susan Harvey. This is a Water Music to conjure
with. It is witty, vital, vivacious, and thoroughly delightful. McGegan
separates the three suites, placing the G-major Suite in the middle, and
includes the two alternate movements at the end of the Suite in F. McGegan
favors quick tempos, requiring just over two minutes longer than Pinnock,
notwithstanding the two extra movements (more than eight minutes between
them). The recording is bright and airy. The notes are brief and general,
the only part of this production that might be improved. This one goes near
the top of a long list. Highly recommended.
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