Gramophone Recommendation
Handel Concerti Grossi, Opp 3 and 6
Handel and Haydn Society / Christopher Hogwood
Avie AV2065 (3h 38' · DDD)
The review continues:
"For this recording Christopher Hogwood uses a performance edition that takes into account manuscript sources that pre-date Walsh's compilation. It is good to have the Handel and Haydn Society's disciplined and lean performances available again thanks to this newly compiled and remastered reissue. The opening of Op 3 No 2 has deliciously sprung rhythms and fine solo concertino playing; the sublime cello duet in the following Largo is sinewy yet tender, its melancholic mood enhanced by the restrained oboe solo. Handel later added oboes and bassoons to some of the Op 6 concertos when they were performed in the theatre but Hogwood prefers Handel's original scoring for string orchestra throughout.
The Handel and Haydn Society's alert enthusiasm is tangible throughout these polished and stylish readings, originally recorded by L'Oiseau-Lyre. Hogwood directs with natural sensitivity and his tastefully emphasised suspensions and relaxed shaping of cadences are consistently perfect."