Handel Water Music - best CD? - Performance Recording

Many violins played in modern orchestras date back to the days of Handel and Mozart; the difference is the historic orchestras use the old gut strings, so there is a lighter sound. Also they are not tuned the same. I cannot remember which way it goes, but what is say a normal B note in Handel's time is now either a B flat or B sharp today. So when you listen to a historic recording, you not only hear the gut strings, you are also listening to the music a half a note different than a modern performance. Since historic performances sound higher pitched to me, the modern tuning is probably a half note lower.

I usually prefer modern (not always). I always prefer modern instruments at the Dentist.

Don't buy without hearing Sir Charles Mackerras conducting
the Orchestrea of St. Luke's on the Telarc label!!!

Thanks ALL - for your information & recommendations!

Kelly/Sugarbrie – I’d suspected there WAS more to it than what might seem obvious, though I'd never truly considered what differences might exist between real “period instruments” and reproductions. …Especially something as simple as bow string composition vs. pitch etc.

I find it incredible that even by today’s standards; with our “technological superiority” the products of old world craftsmen/artisans are considered superior. …Benchmarks without equal, imbued with intangible and illusive qualities. (e.g. Stradivarius).

Thanks again,
Mike

There are some very nice string instruments made today. They just have not had 300 years to gather a following.

The Trevor Pinnock 1984 Archive/Digital recording of Water Music, is even more spectacular than his recording of the Bach Brandenburgs. This performance has a rightness to it that leads one to believe that you need'nt purchase any other Water Music ever again. I really believe in this performance more than any other issued. Pinnock released Water Music in analog on the CRD record label years before this, but the sound (yes the sound) and performance in no way matched the Archive/Digital sessions.
The LP IS superior to the CD on this performance. There is a better rendering of hall ambience, from the outstanding acoustics of London's Henry Wood Hall. The LP should be widely available on the used market. The CD will do just fine, though, if you cant find a copy........Frank