Jazz for aficionados

Under the heading of: You learn something everyday, I always thought Water Music and Fireworks were written during the same time period, and for the same event. Turns out that Fireworks was written 30 years later. Don't I feel silly.

Cheers

i have been real busy. i will respond to links tonight.

No pressure, Acman3; I was not taking you to task with my comment at all.

****But the real shocker for me, is that not one of our 'pros', commented on the performance of Water Music and Fireworks by the French Orchestra. ESP, the conductor!! What do you think of this guy?****

Well, if you insist; and, please understand that my lack of enthusiasm for this performance and Niquet is the very reason that I had not commented. I, too, love the sound of period instruments and I love performances that educate about the history of the music; but, I have some issues with this performance.

First of all, for a really great performance of this beautiful music on original instruments try Trevor Pinnock with The English Concert; and for my favorite with modern instruments but still using period performance practice try the Marriner/St Martin In The Fields.

The Niquet performance by comparison has some real problems with the ensemble playing. There are some major and distracting problems with intonation, especially the horns and trumpets. While period instruments (natural trumpets and horns) are harder to play in tune than modern instruments, recordings like Pinnock's don't suffer nearly to this degree. Additionally, having the woodwinds standing was an odd choice. It looks good, but there is an imbalance between the winds and strings, the winds being too prominent in relation to the strings. Overall, not a memorable performance on musical grounds; but, impressive visually and educationally and there is value in that. Niquet is the type of conductor that drives me nuts. There is, again, a sense that it is about what looks good. His technique is showy and dramatic with large motions that serve no musical purpose. Like the Andre Rieu performance, it's not my cup of tea. BTW, the Baremboin/LVB is great; he is one of the very best classical musicians on the scene today.

There is a historical inaccuracy in the presentation of the Niquet performance. The Music For Royal Fireworks was composed for wind band (no strings); that is what was heard at that first royal performance. It wasn't until later that Handel reorchestrated it for full orchestra as heard on the Niquet performance.

Lastly, you'll just have to take my word for this (perhaps Learsfool will chime in on this), and I bring it up because you have often commented about performers appearing to be working too hard at "performing"; but, I would bet that those musicians were coached to "perform"; to make gestures that looked good and made them appear to be "involved". This goes to my previous comment and it's something that, having been in those shoes, one just knows. Glorious music 'though.

*****First of all, for a really great performance of this beautiful music on original instruments try Trevor Pinnock with The English Concert; and for my favorite with modern instruments but still using period performance practice try the Marriner/St Martin In The Fields.******

I have the Marriner / SMIF CD. I am almost embarrassed to admit I have six CDs of this music. The first one I purchased years ago was "The Academy of Ancient Music / Hogwood" It's on authentic instruments also.

****Niquet is the type of conductor that drives me nuts. There is, again, a sense that it is about what looks good. His technique is showy and dramatic with large motions that serve no musical purpose.*****

My thoughts exactly. I remember thinking, this guy is demonstrating that maybe Conductors are not needed past rehearsals. But the man is French, so looking good is important. Did you check out the shoes?

I understand that Andre Rieu is an excellent musician, that found he could make a lot more money as a showman. His stuff is not serious. I just love 'Amazing Grace' on bagpipes.

The band Barenboim conducted was the Israeli-Arab group he established. He did all nine symphonies during that Proms. There is a DVD out. Thinking of getting it. Like I need more sets of LvB.

I thought the horns were the highlight of the performance. They sounded so 'real / natural', on my computer setup. I love that sound. Not disagreeing with you, just to my amateur ears. And, the visuals were great. I think that makes a tremendous impact on a person's perception of the performance. The sound and video were excellent by youtube standards.

Thanks for your review. Very insightful.

Cheers