Recordings of Handel's Chandos Anthems

[Guest]

I hate to admit this but I do not have any recording of the Handel's Chandos Anthems. I don't know how I've omitted them from my collection. I listened today to the Hyperion recording on BAL by Soloists, Trinity College Choir Cambridge and the OAE conducted by Stephen Laytony of 'As Pant's the Hart'. I am vacillating between Trinity and The Sixteen who have recorded all 11 of the anthems in a box set. What are do forum members recommend?

J

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I only know the Sixteen's set - it is superb: freshly-paced, beautifully-balanced, extremely well recorded. Much will depend on whether you prefer a quartet of women or a larger group of boys (trebles all round?) - whichever; this is wonderful Music.

[Black Swan]

You've confirmed my dilemma. I think the voices of the boys choir will be great but I am a huge fan of the Sixteen. I am trending toward Chandos but as you and I both know I will probably end up with both. As I commented to a friend at the York Early Music Festival I was yet to hear something from Handel I didn't like.

J

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I will probably end up with both.

Well, one should endeavour to be even-handed.

As I commented to a friend at the York Early Music Festival I was yet to hear something from Handel I didn't like.

I totally agree.

[verismissimo]

... As I commented to a friend at the York Early Music Festival I was yet to hear something from Handel I didn't like.

Handel has emerged like a butterfly, courtesy of the HIP movement. As have Bach and so many others of that period.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Handel has emerged like a butterfly, courtesy of the HIP movement. As have Bach and so many others of that period.

Well I was first introduced to these works via Elgar's orchestration known as "Overture in D minor"; to the Water Music via Sir Hamilton Harty's arrangement, and then Boyd Neel's complete version: Messiah via Sargent's Prout edition recordings with the Huddersfield Choral Society followed by Colin Davis's fresh but un-HIPP performances. So let's not get carried away by fashion.

[verismissimo]

Well I was first introduced to these works via Elgar's orchestration known as "Overture in D minor"; to the Water Music via Sir Hamilton Harty's arrangement, and then Boyd Neel's complete version: Messiah via Sargent's Prout edition recordings with the Huddersfield Choral Society followed by Colin Davis's fresh but un-HIPP performances. So let's not get carried away by fashion.

Me too, Eine, but I find many of those hard to listen to nowadays.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I soon tired of the Harty arrangement, but i do return to the Sargent performances from time to time. I still prefer modern instrument performances in general, but I'm a huge fan of JEG's Bach.

[BBMmk2]

Had'nt Richard Hickox recorded these on Chandos?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I haven't found any such recording in a quick search.

[Gordon]

The Sixteen, no doubt!! However I do have a soft spot for the old Argo/Willcocks/Kings from the non HIPP era - first versions I ever heard, with the likes of Ian Partridge. A very decent St Cecilia Ode too! Was available on Universal 436 257/8/9 2.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Had'nt Richard Hickox recorded these on Chandos?

No. Very little Handel in the Hickox discography: Alcina and the Water Music when he followed the fashion of playing Handel's Music on wrong instruments, and Messiah when he matured into a genuine artist. (I'll see your and raise you a , Alpie!)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

No. Very little Handel in the Hickox discography: Alcina and the Water Music when he followed the fashion of playing Handel's Music on wrong instruments, and Messiah when he matured into a genuine artist. (I'll see your and raise you a , Alpie!)

Now, now, Ferney. I at least incuded the , but you made no such concession with your words "the wrong instruments".

[BBMmk2]

There was something by someone on Chaconne?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

There was something by someone on Chaconne?

Now there's a question!

The Harry Christophers/Sixteen set is indeed available as a boxed set of four CDs on Chandos Chaconne:

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Chandos/CHAN0554