Johannes Somary and English Chamber Orchestra - Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks, Water Music (2004) [Hi-Res+SACD]

I’m not quite sure why no-one has yet reviewed this! Anyway, here goes…
This is a quite lovely recording, which you should catch whilst you still can.
The performances are very much ‘old style’; in 1973, when this was recorded, the ‘authentic’ movement had yet to become dominant in performing of the baroque repertoire. This is none the worse for that, however. And, of course, a big-band approach to the Fireworks is eminently apposite and exciting, needless to say.
As always, the ECO’s playing is suave and impeccable throughout.
The sound is striking, with a huge soundstage, great focus and terrific dynamic range. The inevitable hiss entailed by an analogue recording of this range in the early 70s is not distracting, to my ears at least.
All in all, this is a sonic delight, and eminently realistic in its tonal quality, thruthfulness and total impact. Just listen to the baroque trumpets in the Fireworks; if they don’t give you sonic goose-bumps from deep, elevated rear stage, then nothing will.
This recording is strongly recommended, therefore, and preferable – to me at least – to a bushel load of aneamic and under-projected authentic performances in the modern style.
This music was meant to show off, and it does so thrillingly here.