The King'S Consort, Robert King - Handel & Telemann: Water Music (1997)

Tracklist

01. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: I. Ouverture. Largo – Allegro
02. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: II. Adagio e staccato
03. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: III. [Allegro] – Andante – [Allegro]
04. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: IV. [Menuet. Allegro]
05. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: V. Air
06. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: VI. Menuet
07. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: VII. Bourrée
08. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: VIII. Hornpipe
09. Water Music Suite No. 1, HWV 348: IX. [Allegro moderato]
10. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: I. [Ouverture]. Allegro
11. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: II. Alla Hornpipe
12. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: III. [Menuet]
13. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: IV. Rigaudon
14. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: V. Lentement
15. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: VI. Bourrée
16. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: VII. Menuet [I]
17. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: VIII. [Menuet II]
18. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: IX. [Country Dances I & II]
19. Water Music Suites Nos. 2 & 3, HWV 349/350: X. [Trumpet Menuet]
20. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": I. Overture
21. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": II. Sarabande. Die schlafende Thetis
22. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": III. Bourrée. Die erwachende Thetis
23. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": IV. Loure. Der verliebte Neptunus
24. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": V. Gavotte. Spielende Najaden
25. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": VI. Harlequinade. Der schertzende Tritonus
26. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": VII. Der stürmende Aeolus
27. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": VIII. Menuet. Der angenehme Zephir
28. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": IX. Gigue. Ebb' und Fluth
29. Wassermusik Suite, TWV 55:C3 "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth": X. Canarie. Die lustigen Bots Leute

Ten years ago Robert King and The King's Consort made a stunning recording of Handel's Fireworks Music; now comes the turn of the Water Music, and the results are even more impressive.

George Philipp Telemann's Wassermusik (commonly known as 'Hamburger Ebb und Fluth' – an oblique reference to the local method of sewage disposal!) was composed for a grand celebration of seafaring life during 1723. The music was noted at the time for being 'uncommonly well-suited to the occasion', and not least for its subject-matter: Telemann guides his audience through a pageant of aquatic folklore and meteorology.

Six years earlier Handel had been commissioned for a directly comparable occasion: an enormous party on the river Thames given by George I. A large orchestra was present on the musicians' barge: a good-size string section and a substantial wind presence. The sound of a large baroque wind band produces a magnificent sonority. Similarly, a colourful continuo force on the river seems probable. The rhythmic impetus of a pair of baroque guitars combined with the colours of two harpsichords lends the music a vital danceband-like rhythm section, much in keeping with the King's colourful intentions for his evening's entertainment!

All faithfully recreated, of course. Except for the barge.

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