Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Nicholas McGegan - Handel: Water Musick (1988)

Nicholas McGegan's period-instrument account of the complete Water Music is informed, vibrant, and brilliantly recorded--a wonderful argument for authenticity. As an interpretation it ranks second to none, conveying the dances in a spritely, vivacious manner. The ensemble, consisting mostly of American players, is not quite as brilliant as the London bands that have dominated the period scene until recently. But while there are moments where the execution is just a bit under par (the oboes, for example, get a little scrappy in places), there can scarcely be any complaints about Lowell Greer's superb work as first horn. Listening to the disc is like sitting in on a performance; the experience is one of music from start to finish. The recording is intimate, a bit dry but with just enough ambience to give life to the sound, and very clear. -- Ted Libbey